Emma and her husband found themselves at a crossroads when deciding to proceed with IVF with their dual-factor infertility diagnosis. In the U.K., where they lived, specialists were hell-bent on Emma's BMI because of the NHS's guidelines. After losing over 80 lbs, her RE refused to proceed with IVF and told her she needed to lose more weight. It was clear to Emma and her husband that with the cost of IVF in the U.K. and the BMI restrictions, they would need an alternative method for becoming parents. It was then their story of IVF abroad began. *Follow Emma here! Emma's FREE resources for IVF abroad infertilityandmepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jacqueline Vazquez, an international wedding guru and Master Wedding Planner, speaker, and author, never believed she would face much adversity when trying to conceive. After being diagnosed with low egg reserve in her late 20s, Jacqueline endured 10 years of TTC before deciding to live child-free. In this episode, Jacqueline shares what it was like to plan other people's lives through her event-planning business while suffering mentally and emotionally from infertility. What else is discussed:Considering AdoptionDepressionmedicated IUI cycles*Follow Jacqueline here! Grab your copy of Jacqueline's book: Your Release Journal. infertilityandmepodcast.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we are joined by Charlie Dice, an amazing individual who has triumphed over both infertility and the profound challenges of major depressive disorder. Charlie's story has been marked by resilience in the face of adversity, including enduring three heartbreaking miscarriages, navigating the emotionally taxing process of IUI, and undertaking the demanding path of one IVF cycle. As time passed, Charlie and her husband reached the decision that ultimately reshaped their lives—they chose to embrace a child-free existence after their arduous battle with infertility.Full Show Notes Here: infertilityandmepodcast.com*Follow Charlie here or here! Our Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Gleenobly and her husband have faced a challenging journey in their quest to start a family for over 13 years. Their path has been marked by significant obstacles, including Gleenobly's diagnoses of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, miscarriage, and even a brain tumor. She states: We have tried everything under the sun except for IVF. We are still not yet parents, but we hope to be as soon as possible. Not only have we had to deal with the heartbreak of disappointment after disappointment after disappointment, but in the last three years, we also had surprise medical problems like knee surgery (my husband), a brain tumor (me), natural pregnancy, miscarriage, and moving to a different country (U.S.A. to England). We will try adopting an older child as soon as we are allowed."*Follow/Listen to Gleenobly's podcast here or email her at iptck@yahoo.comSupport Our Show Sponsors:*Learn more about the Mosie Baby Kit and read some of the amazing stories from the Mosie Community. *Use code INFERTILITYANDME for [15% off] your order at checkout and join the 100,000-plus families who have included Mosie on their journey to conceive.Our Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lisa McCarty, a passionate writer and a tireless advocate for women's health and infertility, courageously opens up about her journey, which has been marked by multiple diagnoses, including post-amenorrhea and PCOS. Her story takes a heartbreaking turn as she grapples with secondary infertility, recurrent loss, and the challenging Asherman's Syndrome.   In this emotionally charged conversation, Lisa sheds light on the profound toll infertility has taken on her mental well-being. She candidly discusses the relentless battles with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression that have accompanied her on this arduous path.    For almost a decade, Lisa and her devoted husband were led down a path that ultimately resulted in the miracle of their first child, conceived through the remarkable journey of IVF. This is a story of resilience, love, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.*Connect with Lisa on Instagram here!Support Our Show Sponsors:*Learn more about the Mosie Baby Kit and read some of the amazing stories from the Mosie Community. *Use code INFERTILITYANDME for [15% off] your order at checkout and join the 100,000-plus families who have included Mosie on their journey to conceive.*Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTube*You can help support the continuation of I.A.M by Buying A CoffeeOur Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Erica Ferraro, an ambitious pharmaceutical sales and marketing manager, never imagined she would be part of the 1 in 6 community. She shares her turbulent battle with endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, and needing donor eggs to conceive future children. Follow Erica on Instagram here & her read blog!Support Our Show Sponsors:*Learn more about the Mosie Baby Kit and read some of the amazing stories from the Mosie Community. *Use code INFERTILITYANDME for [15% off] your order at checkout and join the 100,000 plus families who have included Mosie on their journey to conceive.*Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTube*You can help support the continuation of I.A.M. by Buying A CoffeeOur Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jelissa opens up about the profound emotional toll she's endured on her journey through IVF, alongside the heartache of pregnancy loss. To cope, she immerses herself in a whirlwind of activities, all while battling the pervasive anxiety that creeps in as she prepares for new cycles of IVF. Her world is further rocked by her husband's startling diagnosis. Jelissa's relentless pursuit of parenthood spans over 7 years, during which she grapples with a blood disorder known as antiphospholipid syndrome. This condition triggers an autoimmune response, erroneously targeting vital blood proteins. Tragically, it heightens the risk of miscarriages and stillbirths among expectant mothers. The syndrome may also manifest in the form of blood clots, potentially arising in the limbs or even the lungs.*Follow Jelissa on Instagram & learn more about her monthly loss-mom events here!Support Our Show Sponsors:*Learn more about the Mosie Baby Kit and read some of the amazing stories from the Mosie Community at try.mosiebaby.com/InfertilityAndMe. *Use code INFERTILITYANDME for [15% off] your order at checkout and join the 100,000 plus families who have included Mosie on their journey to conceive.*It's going down (D)C, (M)aryland, and (V)irginia Friends! Hang with your girl in Annapolis, MD, for our first IRL event(it's free): No more Silent Silent Suffering Sip N Party, a fun night of socializing & connecting.Since this will be an intimate and PRIVATE party, tickets can only be snagged with this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-more-silently-suffering-sip-n-paint-tickets-694477118757?aff=oddtdtcreator Spaces are VERY limited, see ya soon!*Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTube*You can help support the continuation of I.A.M. by Buying A CoffeeOur Sponsors:* Check out Mosie Baby and use my code INFERTILITYANDME for a great deal: https://mosiebaby.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maiclaire became pregnant naturally, really quickly, but miscarried at nearly 12 weeks. She and her husband then started fertility treatments with IUI. She became pregnant through her second IUI (Intrauterine insemination) but sadly miscarried at 9 weeks. Maiclaire completed 5 rounds of IVF as well. In this episode, we also discuss egg donorship and epigenetics."After the 2 miscarriages and the 2nd IVF cycle with no embryos, I was in a really low place and I was frustrated that no one talks about infertility and recurrent loss, so I wrote my book "Prequel to Parenthood: An Infertility Story."*It's going down (D)C, (M)aryland, and (V)irginia Friends! Hang with your girl in Annapolis, MD, for our first IRL event: No more Silent Silent Suffering Sip N Party, a fun night of socializing & connecting.Since this will be an intimate and PRIVATE party, tickets can only be snagged with this link. Spaces are VERY limited; see ya soon!*Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTube*You can help support the continuation of I.A.M by Buying A CoffeeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's going down (D)C, (M)aryland, and (V)irginia Friends! Come hang with your girl in Annapolis, MD for a night of fun, socializing, and painting. This event is free and just for YOU, other community members, and I to finally meet in person in a fun atmosphere. Since this will be an intimate and PRIVATE party, tickets can only be snagged with this link: No More Silent Suffering Sip N Paint Spaces are VERY limited, see ya soon!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tasha Van Howe, a wife, author, and repeated loss mom, shares her tumultuous battle with unexplained infertility that began two years after she and her high school sweetheart & husband married. Tasha goes into great detail about caring for her mom, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's & dementia while going through a complicated pregnancy, newborn loss, repeated grief, IVF, and an unbelievable adoption story to which she and Jeff are still fighting. -You can purchase a copy of Tasha's book, Miss Me Always here & connect with her on Instagram!*It's going down (D)C, (M)aryland, and (V)irginia Friends! Hang with your girl in Annapolis, MD, for our first IRL event: No more Silent Silent Suffering Sip N Party, a fun night of socializing and painting. Since this will be an intimate and PRIVATE party, tickets can only be purchased with this link. Spaces are VERY limited see ya soon!*Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let's face it, infertility and trying to conceive (TTC) can be incredibly costly! Oftentimes, people are forced to walk away to avoid draining their savings or fertility treatments, adoption, surrogacy, and egg/sperm donorship aren't an option financially. From the moment of diagnosis to the extensive research and exploration of various family-building options, it feels like a significant financial burden with no end in sight. Non profits mentioned:The Tinina Q. Cade FoundationBundle of Joy FundCozy WarriorResources:Episode mentioned w/Lauren Makler on AppleiTunes & Spotify about her digital health company Cofertility.Article written By Amber Ferguson, reporter/video editor of The Washington Post: Shortage of Black sperm donors in America.'Socioeconomic disparities in fertility treatments and associated likelihood of livebirth following invitro fertilization.'Hey friend, thank you for tuning in to Infertility And Me Podcast. Connect with me on Instagram and or watch episodes on YouTube. Submit your story to me, Monique for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. You can support the continuation of I.A.M by 'buying me a coffee' on Ko-fi;) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode we're joined by Dr. K. Duga for an educational discussion about racial disparities in health care and how it affects Black women while TTC, why functional fertility care is important before or while seeking ART (assisted reproductive care) and advocating for yourself as a patient.Connect with Dr. Duga on her website or follow her on Instagram to learn more about her services and how she can help YOU.Submit your story to Monique for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Infertility can make us feel invisible due to a combination of emotional, social, and cultural factors. In this episode we're discussing reasons we may be feeling this way and learning to identify our triggers.Overall, infertility is a complex and emotionally charged issue that can leave us feeling invisible, both to others and sometimes even to ourselves. It is essential for society to foster greater empathy, compassion, and support for those going through infertility, creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for individuals and couples on their fertility journey.Submit your story to me for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Have you had a rough summer navigating infertility? In this episode I speak about boundary setting, how to prepare yourself for the engagements you've committed to, and the obsessiveness TTC creates in us.Submit your story to me for a chance to record and end the stigma's surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTube!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!You’ve married your college sweetheart and well on your way to creating the life you’ve imagined, together. Some time passes and you've begun TTC. Our guest Steven Miller MS, shares his shocking diagnosis of male factor infertility, and the steps he is taking as a Social Worker to raise awareness about the effects of infertility. Follow Steven @sjmiller2024Follow MoniqueSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Nicole Gomez Fisher shares her devastating endometriosis and scarring diagnosis from previous surgeries at 19 years old. Nicole's right ovary, both fallopian tubes, and part of her left ovary was removed during surgery. After marriage, TTC would be equally arduous for Nicole and her husband's eight year journey. What's Discussed:EndometriosisSurgical removal of reproductive organs.00:17:45:00- Egg donorship & Jealousy.LossSurrogacy 00:19:00- "Good Egg" film's conception.00:24:00- Difficulties bonding after birth & adoption.00:26:40- Being LatinX and infertile.Nicole Gomez Fisher, writer, and director of "Good Egg" film.  " A woman struggling to get pregnant becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld with her potential egg donor."Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If IAM podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. This helps us become more visible to friends who may be silently suffering with infertility too!In this episode, Monique chats with instagram advocate Sabrina De Lellis. Sabrina has been TTC since 2019 and has stage four endometriosis. Before meeting her current partner, Sabrina began TTC in her previous marriage. She and her partner are still in the thick of TTC and figuring out what their next steps will be.@ivf_baby_dIn this episode we discuss:Endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, & andenomyosis.Embryo adoptionUnsuccessful IVF cycles.Miscarriage.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Imagine your doctor discovers signs of ovarian cancer during a routine ultrasound to prepare for an IVF embryo transfer, what would you do, how would you respond? In 2019, Jenny Lowe was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer in the midst of her first round of IVF after four unsuccessful IUI cycles; she was 34 years old. Jenny also shares with us the day she tested positive for BRCA Gene Mutation, also known as BReast CAncer gene. Every human carries these genes. For a small percentage, their BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes mutate. As a result of her illness, she lost the ability to carry a baby and have genetic ties to future children.Jenny shares what it was like to overcome ovarian cancer, the process of finding a surrogate, and the surprising volunteer surrogates. Just when the storm begins to clear, surrogacy would prove to be tumultuous too. To raise awareness Jenny wrote a memoir called Saved By Hope-affectionately named after her daughter. Snag your copy of Jenny's book, here! Follow Jenny on InstagramGrab a copy of Jenny’s book here!Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!In this episode, Monique chats with Megan Whiting. Megan and her husband were diagnosed with unexplained infertility in 2016, after several years of marriage. Meghan describes her experience through infertility as deeply traumatizing and life long. Megan Whiting is the Founder of the Pursuit of Rainbows Foundation and an advocate for Resolve. It is Megan's mission to spread infertility awareness, educate, and use her title as Mrs. Ohio International 2022 to give voice to the silent sufferers everywhere.Key Moments: 00:00:00- Intro00:03:21- Meet Megan00:09:24-Unexplained infertility & the emotional impact.00:13:55- What does a life without children look like?00:15:39- There's value in the pause & rest.00:19:34- Miscarriage.00:21:11- Pregnancy after infertility.0:27:47- The right to family building. Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Diagnosed with a rare abdominal disease that caused large masses in her abdomen, Lauren was told she may never have biological children. After exploring all of her options, she embarked on the path to motherhood with her husband. While on maternity leave, Lauren Makler, CEO, Co-Fertility Founder decided and felt a new passion for reproductive health care, which led to the creation of CoFertility. *Lauren states: "At its core, egg donation is someone doing something good and providing a life-altering opportunity for a family." "This stigma is a problem on multiple fronts. It discourages women from helping a family grow when that might be something they want to do. It leaves intended parents without options, and it especially hurts the LGBTQ community that needs to rely on egg donation for family planning."-Lauren Mackler on fastcompany.comWe'll be discussing: The stigma of donor conceived persons and donors.How CoFertility is A more thoughtful, human-centered matching, education, and communication platform for families in need of egg donation.How Freeze by Co Empowers women to take control of their fertility timelines by making egg freezing more accessible. Our Split program enables them to freeze for free when they donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can't conceive. Family by Co: A more thoughtful, human-centered matching, education, and communication platform for families in need of egg donation.Laurens's Fertility Struggles.What inspired parent company CoFertility?A more human approach leads to better egg donor and intended family match success, was this discovered during your research to build the new initiatives?00:25:00- Article written By Amber Ferguson, reporter/video editor of The Washington Post: Shortage of Black sperm donors in America.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Have you considered being a single parent by choice or know someone who has? Whether man, woman, or non-binary, the decision to pursue parenthood without a mate is tough.Will family support you, can you handle the judgement of outsiders, are you emotionally, and financially prepared? Monique chats with Julia Karol about how she realized her dreams of motherhood & took matters into her own hands. Julia shares with us her unique and unconventional social-infertility story to motherhood.Julia started her podcast Stork'd during her family-building journey. She started asking questions to anyone and everyone as she was exploring her options and gaining comfort in her decision to become a solo parent she's now the mother to a beautiful 10-month-old boy conceived by a sperm donor. Key Moments:00:01:44- Meet Julia00:05-23- Social infertility00:08:18- My Eat, Pray, Love00:12:18- Support.00:16:32- I felt empowered by fertility preservation.00:18:54- Embryo freezing.00:20:40- COVID & at home Insemination with my obGYN bestie.00:26:17- Success in modern family building looks different for everyone.00:27:33- Supporting others when I needed support too.00:30:55- Do what feels right to you.   Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Jade Barrett spent two years TTC before getting the diagnosis of endometriosis, despite Doctors telling her she didn't have it. In this episode, Jade shares her uncensored opinions and the leaps and bounds she had to get through to be properly diagnosed. Her spouse had male factor issues as well. Connect with Jade on IG!Key Moments:00:02:24- Meet Jade.00:07:56- Disastrous fertilty clinic consult.00:14:58- Fighting for medical care.00:17:46- All of it is crazy and a bitch.00:20:14- The Doctor offered us fertility meds from Mexico.00:25:06- The TWW (two week wait)00:26:39- Good news is, it's not endometriosis.*Tap here to submit your Fertility Friend Check-In, your story for a chance to record with Monique, or say hey & introduce yourself;)Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Monique chats with Rianna Hijlkema, who like most of us spent years TTC. Rianna has low AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) and has been a nomad for 12 years while dealing with infertility for 6 years. She has completed 6 IUI's and 3 IVF cycles in 3 different countries: Indonesia, Nepal, Bulgaria, and Belgium. At the time of this recording in May 2022, she was told by her clinic in Colombia that they could not move forward with IVF because her AMH was too low. Rianna and her husband are currently in limbo with how they will move forward in their path to parenthood. For now, they are living life childless. You can find Rianna on IG and through her coaching services supporting others in the throes of infertility.Childless after Infertility accounts mentioned in this episode: @chasing.creation @tanyahubbardcounselling @bloomingwithcare @childlessnessintheroom @livechildfree @mindbodyrevival_coach00:01:34- Meet Rianna.00:02:30- Finding Love.00:08:45- TTC00:13:22- Childless after fertility treatments.00:20:12- The disappointment of unsuccessful IVF cycles. 00:22:56- How do I take my power back.24:34- Childless after infertility accounts.25:48- A last word.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!We work tirelessly to create embryos in hopes that they will “stick” around. When that doesn’t happen, it’s completely devastating. In this episode, Meg of @for_the_barreness shares her diagnosis of adenomyosis and endometriosis. Meg also shares why she did not waste time digging deeper and getting to the root cause of her recurrent miscarriages. It's been years now since Meg and her husband began TTC- during this time she has created an online support group for women who've suffered miscarriage and loss.​00:03:08- Meet Meg.00:06:42- Painful periods with no diagnosis.00:10:44- The first miscarriage.00:17:00- Grief turned into anger0018:00- Time is a thief when TTC.00:21:59- Finding balance and calm. 00:24:54- Healing through community.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeTap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been struggling with the grief of infertility and or loss? Licensed psychotherapist, Karen Balumbu-Bennett, joins us. She'll be answering community questions regarding infertility and grief. Grief rears its ugly throughout many phases of family-building, especially if you've suffered miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Healing from grief is not linear. It requires us to consistently work through it and it evolves over time. *This episode is not meant to derail or serve as a substitution for the help of your therapist or counselor.*We'll be discussing: When Karen was diagnosed with infertility & what was the diagnosis?How to handle fertility monitoring/scan anxiety?How to make peace with possibly not having genetic ties to your future child/children, when an egg donor etc. is needed?Healing from the envy of fertile people? Women of Color and infertility.How to move forward after giving birth/getting the BFP and working through conflicting feelings of parenthood?Karen recently created a memoir meets guided journal to support those struggling with fertility challenges. Connect with Karen here!Karen specializes in women's mental health, maternal health, and infertility. She and her husband also suffered from fertility challenges-eventually they conceived through IVF. If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Are you considering, in the midst of, or have completed embryo adoption? Like most of us, our guest April thought that TTC and having kids would be easier, but six years of infertility struggles said otherwise. After April's infertility diagnosis, she and her husband adopted embryos to become parents. They now have a four-year-old son and are so thankful for embryo adoption as an option.April Ebeling states: I was adopted into my current family almost two decades ago, so it would be natural to think that when it came to building my own family, I would not be as rigid about how it happened. Instead, I saw this as my chance to finally be "normal." I just wanted to be a regular person having a family the regular way.April Ebeling, is an adoptive mom, award-winning musician, and military veteran who is passionate about creating musical experiences that make a difference in our daily life! She created Singalong Switch to rescue her mindfulness practice as a new mom and has now helped thousands of people around the world (23 countries and counting)! Fun, fulfilling, and most importantly FAST-ACTING, this technique is a wonderful addition to your mental health toolbox! www.aprilsingsalot.com0002:44- Meet April00:05:54- We're the late bloomers of our friend group.00:08:18- We really wanted to be parents.00:10:36- Healing emotionally as a couple.00:13:21- Embarking on the embryo adoption journey.00:17:38- We found our adoption family.00:21:12- Should we try for a sibling?00:24:05- Sing Along Switch: a shortcut to calming the mind and spirit.00:27:25- A last word.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeTap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If this podcast has helped you, please consider leaving a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify. Ratings & Reviews help increase the show's visibility so that we can reach more friends who may be silently suffering too!Have you ever thought, well maybe my body just isn’t made to procreate? In this episode, Danielle Faith shares why it took years to get a full spectrum diagnosis of her fertility health. She states that she had to be an advocate for herself in order for her Doctor's to believe her.Danielle has endometriosis, PCOS and ovulatory dysfunction. Danielle also shares her miscarriages and how it changed her. She endured 6 embryo transfers, before finally welcoming her baby girl. @makingamiracle8421Danielle has created and published books to help others through the unthinkable struggles of infertility and loss. She also has been organizing a group of IVF warriors to encourage and uplift those going through infertility, and "Infertility survivor kits," which she delivered by hand to her former fertility clinic. Danielle is a rainbow mama to a beautiful baby girl after 6 years of infertility treatments.00:01:45- Meet Danielle.00:02:41- Endometriosis as an adolescent.00:04:50- PCOS & Anovulation.00:09:04- Miscarriage & Ovarian Hyper Stimulation syndrome.00:12:43- Hyperemesis Gravidarum & HELLP syndrome during pregnancy.00:13:42- Fertility Treatments during COVID.00:14:58- Healing emotionally.00:22:16- Our stories are very different, but we're all fighting the same monster.Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For Fertility Friend Check-Ins, we have an update from CJ, who suffered terrible bedside care. To recap, the Doctor who performed her previous IUI maneuvered her cervix in a way during the procedure that caused extreme pain. We also hear from a friend dealing with both unexplained & secondary infertility. She is at the end of TTC for a sibling and is feeling intense jealousy for people getting pregnant successfully."Knowing I'm going to have much more treatments, procedures and surgery, it makes it hard mentally to want to go back, but in the end, we will because we do anything to grow our family.”—CJIn this episode, you will learn:1. How do you deal with jealousy and loneliness when you see other people getting pregnant?2. What are some ways to cope with triggers related to grief?3. Being solution driven when you're feeling negative emotions.Resources:[00:19:26] - Book by Marisa Renee Lee mentioned in this episode: Grief Is Love Living with LossIn this episode Monique shares an excerpt from Marisa's book, Grief is Love Living with. Monique thanks you for tuning in to the episode and asks you to share it with your fertility friends.Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!*Tap here to share your Fertility Friend Check-In, submit your story for a chance to record with Monique, or say hey & introduce yourself;)*Follow on Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have there been times when TTC that you’ve felt like a failure? Our guest Mallory states, she often felt like a failure after her diagnosis, 8 unsuccessful IUI's, 3 rounds of IVF, and one miscarriage.Mallory describes herself as an optimist, which helped her move through the sadness, anger, and grief of infertility. It wasn't until she had a candid conversation with her Pastor about her unsuccessful fertility treatments and loss that a "light bulb" turned on for her. He helped her realize that infertility was happening to her and she was not at fault or to blame. Tune in as Mallory McGary shares her story of unexplained infertility and miscarriage.Time Stamps:00:02:11- Meet Mallory00:06:20- 8 unsuccessful IUI's & IVF.00:09:02- Infertility is like a constant mindset game.00:11:43- Miscarriage & IVF.00:17:00- Healing emotionally.  Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!*Follow on Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For Fertility Friend Check-In we celebrate with Kris who recently had her first egg retrieval. Another friend who we'll call A, is dealing with anger towards God, and the loss of her embryo after the first BETA came back positive. Lastly, our friend CJ suffered unethical care during an IUI procedure, which resulted in her having to report the performing Doctor.From there we move into the topic of shame and blame as the infertile spouse. Have you ever said to your spouse, you should go be with someone who isn't infertile... Too often, guilt drives our emotions when struggling to conceive, going through fertility treatments, adoption, etc. The challenges of being the infertile spouse as a hetero cis-gendered woman, the toxic ways shame manifests, and ways to get it under control. What should we do, and how do we feel secure in our relationship during tumultuous times?If nothing else, this episode serves as a reminder that you friend deserve the love of your partner, you deserve to be accepted, and you are worthy of peace of mind.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!*Monique is not a licensed mental health therapist or counselor. Commentary and suggestions are life-experience based.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Things move so quickly during fertility treatments that we often don’t realize just how much we’ve been through. After years of infertility, diminished ovarian reserve-also known as low AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone), and poor egg quality, Amanda Monelli and her spouse welcomed their first child.Amanda went through 3 unsuccessful IUI cycles, an IVF cycle with no chromosomally normal embryos, a successful cycle with one normal embryo, and her last-ditch effort for a sibling. Surprisingly, we learn something special about how Amanda was conceived.Connect with Amanda @the_elusive_egg 00:00:00- Intro00:02:15- Meet Amanda00:0:4-41- Unforseen struggles TTC. 00:07:14- Accepting the diagnosis.00:12:07- Surely IVF works on the first time.00:18:28- TTC for a sibling.00:21:05- Genetic links to possible fertility issues.00:22:02- Healing the trauma of infertility. Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!*Follow on Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You guuuyyyys, in this solo episode, I share why I decided to stop trying to conceive a sibling. New community friends have asked will I return for fertility treatments and how I mustered the strength to walk away from IVF for good! I also share that there will be more solo episodes and introduce a new segment called Fertility Friend Check-in. Fertility Friend check-in is a new segment for you to share an area of your journey that you're struggling with, wins, questions, or comments. I will share on solo episodes of the podcast and offer my wisdom, advice, and hold space for you! Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!*Follow on Instagram Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You guuuuuys, how are you holding up? Where are you in your family-building efforts? What are your thoughts about the overturning of Roe V Wade? In this community check-in episode, I ask for YOUR input about the show and community we've built. How can I be of better support through the podcast? Guests you'd like to have featured, diagnoses, or topics you'd like me or guests who've experienced them to speak on? Let me know. I want to hear from YOU!00:08:06-  Tap here  to share your honest thoughts and opinions:)00:00:57- Roe V Wade thoughts (short and sweet)The Heart of Healthcare *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has IAM podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5 star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Does the thought of walking away childless frighten you? Do you avoid the discussion of being childless with your spouse? Our guest, Lana Manikowski, shares her story about how she spent a lifetime dreaming of motherhood. After seven years of various fertility treatments, Lana realized that she could not have children. The following years were full of loneliness, self-judgment, and confusion about living a childless life. Lana yearned to connect to a community of infertile women to grow past this together. She could not find one, so she created it! Stitch Coaching and The "So Now What?" Podcast. Lana is a certified coach with a specialty in "causal coaching." A methodology based on the relationship between one's beliefs, feelings, and actions - Lana helps women rediscover their meaning and build a future they truly love. 00:00:00- Intro00:03:05- Meet Lana00:05:05- Another close friend started IVF treatments.00:07:39- The back and forth of deciding to walk away from having children.00:09:44- Healing from the trauma of infertility begins.00:16:17- Acceptance: the answers will come to you.00:20:38- Belief, Feel, Act.00:22:54- Believe that you are good enough.*Follow on Instagram Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guest Kyla Saphir knows firsthand the struggles of living with fibroids and secondary infertility. In this episode, Kyla shares how at the age of 37, after almost two years of TTC for a sibling, and getting the news from an HSG test that she also had a blocked fallopian tube, she and her husband made the hard decision to stop trying. Kyla states: We live in the South and it seems like everyone has 3-5 kids and with no problems. Like they sneezed and they got pregnant! Kyla Saphir is an early childhood educator, yoga instructor, published author, wife, and mom. 00:04:09- Meet Kyla00:08:29- TTC for a sibling & fibroids.00:13:05- Enviromental issues and its effects on fertility:-00:16:00- Fibroid removal: TTC to Infertile, in a day.00:21:03- Natal Yoga & TTC.00:23:30- My spouse was okay with whatever decision I made when TTC for a sibling.00:24:39- Therapy gave me clarity.*00:30:52- Baby-making isn't all that we're capable of.*00:32:41- If you're struggling to conceive, know this...Grab Your copy of Kyla's book here!*Follow on Instagram Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Do you feel a sense of connection to motherhood/fatherhood so deeply that it drives and fuels you forward through your fertility struggles?Our Guest Akitra Johnson-Olatuyi describes her desire for motherhood as a deep knowing that her baby is still waiting for her. In this episode Akitra shares her experience with ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, two miscarriages, and her sisters selfless decision to donate eggs.Currently, she is working with an agency to find her perfect surrogate match. Akitra hopes to encourage and uplift you through her story to motherhood thus far. Time Stamps:00:00:59- Akitra00:05:15- Stillbirth & Pregnancy Loss00:09:55- Fibroids & Egg quality.00:12:16- Holding onto Faith & considering all options.00:20:27- This baby is for me.00:23:40- All bets on you. Find Akitra here! Support Akitra's GoFundMe here! *Follow on Instagram Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been keeping up with the possible overturning of Roe v Wade, are you concerned with how this will affect your current or future reproductive care? In this episode, Monique chats with Dr. Tara Bradner- IVF mom, Nurse Practitioner, Doctorate degree holder, and women's health advocate. Tara was diagnosed initially with unexplained infertility, but after switching to a new reproductive endocrinologist, endometriosis was found. Tara suffered painful periods for years and no previous doctors would take her complaints seriously. Tara states: I endured a long road through infertility followed by infertility treatments and a traumatic pregnancy. Tara sought professional and medical intervention from two fertility clinics, which led me to google and social media for answers. Tara and Monique take a deep dive into reproductive rights, justice, the lack of women's health research, and how we can better advocate for ourselves and loved ones.After experiencing a long road through infertility, Tara decided she wanted to help couples in their journey to grow their family. She chose to change paths to provide a full suite of coaching services and support for those struggling to build their family. Tara is certified through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a natural family planner with the Marquette Method, and a Certified Hormone Puzzle Fertility Coach.00:03:44- Meet Tara00:08:30- IUI's, mental health break, & uterine biopsy.00:10:00- Don't be scared to get second, third, and fourth opinions00:11:24- Aren't heavy & painful periods normal?00:13:58- Why do women have to fight so hard for reproductive rights and justice00:18:00- Infertility is a healthcare disparity.00:19:40- IVF 00:25:45- Creating more peace & calm.Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously! *Follow on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Have you ever said to yourself, I'll be happy when...and proceed to create the ideal outcome of the situation?In this episode Monique chats with Kristin Dillensnyder. After 4 unsuccessful IUI'S, she and her husband knew they needed more help and went to a Reproductive Endocrinologist. Kristin not only suffered from unexplained infertility, but she was of advanced maternal age and her husband had male-factor infertility issues. Kristin experienced 3 different outcomes IVF, one that didn't work, one that ended in miscarriage, and one that gave them their now 4 year old daughter. Kristin is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who, like her, need IVF to grow their family.Kristin states: I decided to become what I needed in the hardest parts of the infertility journey. To take all of that experience and pain and loneliness and turn it into a positive and embrace who I am. Connect with Kristin!Time Stamps:00:00:36- Meet Kristin00:04:11- 4 IUI's & unexplained infertility.00:10:22- IVF cycle 3 & Miscarriage.00:11:50- Healing from grief.00:13:53- I'll be happy when...00:15:47- Two Week Wait is like a jail sentence.00:19:09- Processsing emotional traumas.00:26:38- It's ok to need help.  Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Have you experienced medical red flags? Our guest, Carrie Severson went through a whirlwind TTC as a single woman. She shares the difficult decision to be a single mom by choice and the process of two rounds of IVF, both of which were unsuccessful. Carrie experienced terrible bedside manner from her specialist, who blamed her "mindset" on the first IVF round being unsuccessful.She also dealt with unethical care and suffered eight bacterial infections from the same clinic after her last IVF cycle. It took Carrie an entire year to recover from the infections and much longer to heal from the emotional trauma.Carrie is an accomplished journalist and publisher and has written a book, Unapologetically Enough. In it Carrie details what it was like to go through fertility treatments as a single woman and her traumatic experience with the clinic.00:03:2- Meet Carrie00:05:52- Preparing for IVF treatment.00:09:08- I would have loved to not go through this alone.00:10:15- Unsuccessful IVF cycle & early ovulation.00:12:48- Despite the red flags, I agreed to a second cycle of egg collection.00:13:58- Eight bacterial infections: ignoring the red flags.00:15:49- To me, it was about opportunity.00:18:30- Healing from guilt, shame, and blame.00:19:58- IVF burnout.00:20:48- I am enough with or without children.00:22:33- I hope women can find peace.00:24:16- I wish I had found community sooner.Grab your copy of Carrie's new book!Follow Carrie on Instagram! Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!What do you do when your Faith in God's plan for your life is disrupted by infertility? In this episode, Dr. Anna Locke shares how she bridged the gap between Religious beliefs and getting help through reproductive assistance. Dr. Anna and her husband suffered from dual factor infertility and when she gave birth through c-section to her twins, endometriosis was discovered. Dr. Anna is an international award-winning author and educator who has worked in the mental health profession for more than 15 years. She holds a doctorate in counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in multiple states, including Puerto Rico. She currently owns Charlandra Counseling Services, a virtual infertility counseling center; and is an assistant professor at Nyack College. Dr. Anna is an active leader in the American Counseling Association, and author of "Body Betrayal: Living and Understanding Infertility" and "Introduction to 21st Century Counseling: A Multicultural and Social Justice Perspective". From her personal and clinical experience with infertility, Dr. Anna created the Fertility Clarity © approach to infertility counseling. 00:04:38- Meet Dr. Anna00:08:29- Endometriosis is found during emergency c-section.00:10:26- Catholicism & shame00:15:50- Are we being punished by God?00:20:00- Bridging the gap between Religion & reproductive care.00:26:16- Acceptance.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Are you still in the thick of TTC (trying to conceive), have you and your partner/spouse been diagnosed with dual factor infertility? Our guest Stephanie Reyes and her husband have.Stephanie will begin IVF after 2 years of infertility this Spring season. She suffers from PCOS, Neurofibromatosis, and her partner has MFI (male factor infertility) with poor morphology, and borderline motility. Stephanie is a military spouse and there's a chance her husband will be temporarily deployed during the entire IVF cycle. Because of Stephanie's genetic condition, she suffers from chronic pain, which adds another layer of TTC struggles. @ivfyou_2022Time Stamps:00:00:00- Intro00:02:20- Meet Stephanie00:06:30- TTC when your spouse is active Military.00:12:00- PCOS diagnosis.00:13:59- Neurofibramotosis00:15:29- Male infertility00:17:10- Uterine polyps were a surprise.00:21:08- Who was I before infertility? 00:29:00- Preparing to possibly do IVF with my husband deployed. 00:32:30- Today, I feel hopeful about IVF. Showcase your infertility advocacy & use code: IAM15 to receive a discount on your Infertile Tees purchase!Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeTap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!How many losses have you experienced, when did you decide to get help with your grief and trauma? Our guest Lindsay Blair went through 7 years of unexplained infertility, 5 miscarriages, 2 ectopic pregnancies, which resulted in both of her fallopian tubes being removed through emergency surgery. All of this happened before welcoming her miracle twins in 2020. In this episode we discuss being a newly wed while going through so many losses, a detailed account of ectopic pregnancy surgery, navigating the layers of grief to healing, taking breaks from TTC, and knowing when to get help from a trained professional. Lindsay became certified as a Fertility Coach, Trauma Specialist, & Miscarriage and Bereavement Doula to help other women find courage during their pain-filled journeys of suffering, grief, loss, and uncertainty. Showcase your infertility advocacy & use code: IAM15 to receive a discount on your Infertile Tees purchase!Follow Monique on IG for more Content!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you or your spouse been diagnosed with male factor infertility? In this episode with Dr. Barrett Cowan and Dr. Natan Bar-Chama you will gain a better understanding of male infertility, causes, and what options are available to diagnose and treat it. Dr. Cowan, is co-founder of Posterity Health. A comprehensive digital male fertility management platform designed to help assess, evaluate, and treat male fertility. The company seeks to educate, engage, and treat men, shifting the burden of conceiving from solely the woman and creating a unifying experience for the couple.On Monday, March 14th, Posterity Health launched a new nationwide initiative called Project AIM (Access to care - Inclusion of the Male partner). Project AIM provides men with at-home testing and access to male fertility specialists through leading OB/GYN's across the country, beginning with RMA of New York, widely acknowledged as a national and international leader in state-of-the-art reproductive medicine.Project AIM’s benefits include:Supporting the couple through their journey to parenthood by promoting the coordinated evaluation of both partiesExploring the root cause of male infertility and possibly detecting underlying men’s health conditions Embracing the LGBTQIA+ community with inclusive family building servicesNew Yorkers looking to conceive will have the opportunity better navigate a fertility journey together through a new initiative called Project AIMDr. Cowan is the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Posterity Health. He has specialized in treating men with infertility for over 20 years. He received his medical degree with honors and completed his urology residency and fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. He remains committed to helping couples who struggle with infertility issues. He has published multiple scientific articles and authored a chapter on a commonly read fertility book. He is a member of the American Urologic Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, and the Society for Male Reproduction and UrologyDr. Bar-Chama is the Director of the Center of Male Reproductive Health at RMA of New York, is a board-certified Urologist and Male Infertility Specialist. Following his urology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he was awarded the New York Academy of Medicine F.C. Valentine Fellowship and sub-specialized in Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at The Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. For the last 20 years, Dr. Bar-Chama has been the Director of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery and is on faculty in both the Departments of Urology and Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Science at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Bar-Chama’s practice is exclusively dedicated to the fields of male infertility and sexual medicine, and he has published extensively and lectured throughout the world in these areas. He is currently on the Board of Directors and slated to be President of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology (SMRU), is past president of the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) and serves on the board of directors of the patient advocacy organization.Grab your (in)fertility Awareness & Advocacy products-Use Code: IAM15 for a discount on your next purchase. https://www.infertiletees.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Have you felt shame about your infertility diagnosis? Our guest Ceire Nevins did and she hid her fertility treatments from family, friends, and co-workers. Shame, unconscious, and limiting beliefs of what family-building should look like kept her from being open with loved ones. Ceire and her husband went through three years of unexplained infertility, multiple Clomid rounds, four unsuccessful IUI's (Intrauterine Inseminations), two cycles of IVF (Invitro Fertilization) before welcoming their twin girls. Not long after giving birth to her daughters, Ceire was pleasantly surprised to discover that she was four months pregnant.On the next part of her family-building journey, she struggled to conceive a fourth baby to complete her childhood dream, and constantly fought with her husband. This led to her self-healing journey and passion for helping other women with infertility. In this episode Ceire shares how she overcame shame into living a life of gratitude, embracing the present moment, and how she found her purpose as a fertility coach, helping women struggling on their journey to motherhood. Ceire states: "Through the struggles and lessons of my fertility journey, I'm inspired to support women with their journey, so they don't have to face it on their own."Showcase your infertility advocacy & use code: IAM15 to receive a discount on your Infertile Tees purchase!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Would you TTC for an extended time, say, more than five years and would you continue into your 40's? In this episode Mandy Refvik shares her thoughts, feelings, and craziest TTC (trying to conceive) moments over the course of ten years.Mandy ran into ample hurdles along the way. She states on one of her Instagram posts: "At first, my doctors told me I was "too old" to get pregnant, "too old" to pursue IVF. But I knew my body, and I knew it was worth a try. So I did it anyway."Brandy and her husband embarked on their path to family expansion and did so by going abroad to Barbados to seek assisted reproductive care. After years of struggling to get pregnant and 3 rounds of IVF, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl when Mandy was 42. Time Stamps:00:00:00- Intro00:05:55- Meet Mandy00:15:00- My spouse was my rock.00:18:25- My craziest moments TTC (trying to conceive).00:23:35- Let's get help.00:39:25- IVF abroad in Barbados.00:58:20- A last word.  *Follow on Instagram Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Infertility And Me is currently featured in Apple iTunes, New & Noteworthy. eeeeeek! Thank you for your support over the last 2 1/2 years, friends!! Have you ever felt silenced by the pain of Infertility or loss? Today is a rewind from episode 33 with Olajumoke Iba. Our Nigerian friend and guest Olajumoke told us about her journey through five medicated Clomid cycles, one missed miscarriage, three IVF treatment cycles, and the difficult decision to be childless not by choice. Infertility often deceives us into believing that our story and journey aren't needed or that no one wants to hear it. Today and every day through the strong and authentic stories of men and women on this platform, we are reminded that we are not alone and that there is power in speaking up! 00:06:16- Meet OlaSubmit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Has I.A.M podcast helped you? If so, please leave a 5-star Rating & Review on Apple iTunes or Spotify—just one sentence helps tremendously!Would you choose a surrogate from a different race? Have you considered using a surrogate or currently researching the path of surrogacy? In this episode, Kimberly Gowdy shares the steps she and her husband took to find their perfect surrogate.Kimberly always yearned for a child, but after seven miscarriages, three unsuccessful surrogacy attempts, and two embryos left, she and her husband received an unexpected blessing. The twist—Kimberly is Black, her surrogate is white, and they live in the south! Kimberly Gowdy is the author of the book The Colorless Womb, which details her surrogacy and infertility journey. She also created a support group called MOBY (Mommy Older Baby Younger), a support group for mother's 35 & over.In her book, The Colorless Womb, she tackles infertility, surrogacy, and racial and societal pressures of parenthood—dealing with ignorant comments from friends and family like, "Is your baby going to be white?" to "It took a white woman to save you?" The problem was that Kimberly searched high and low for a surrogate that looked like her, but all fell short in the health area. Time Stamps:00:00:00- Intro00:04:03- Meet Kimberly Gowdy00:06:39- Miscarriages and pregnancy losses.00:10:45- IVF & TTC00:16:16- Three unsuccessful Surrogacy attempts.00:26:00- The Colorless Womb: someone to call me mommy.Submit your story to me via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect with me on Instagram & watch on YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Matrika Johnson answers community questions regarding fertility care. If you follow @infertilityandmepodcast on Instagram, you may remember seeing a Q & A in Stories, in preparation for today's episode with Dr. Johnson. 00:00:00- intro00:04:06- Meet Dr. JohnsonCommunity Questions:00:07:52- What are two or three main things that patients should look for when choosing a Reproductive Endocrinologist?00:11:12- Are heavy menses and large clots a concern? Considering all tests come back normal. (lap, etc)00:15:49- "Options" for blocked tubes other than removal?00:21:12- Can diabetes cause difficulty when TTC?00:23:40- Tips for the community.Matrika D. Johnson, M.D., completed her undergraduate training at Davidson College, where she was a Davidson scholar. She later earned her medical degree from Wright State University where she received the Janet C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Award for her academic achievements.Dr. Johnson completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis, where she served as a board member for the Residents & Fellows Diversity Initiative. After residency, Dr. Johnson completed a research fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, followed by a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Magee Women’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Johnson is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.In 2020 and 2021, Dr. Johnson appeared in Charlotte magazine’s list of the Top Doctors in Charlotte for the specialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Johnson is the founding physician of Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas.When Dr. Johnson isn’t helping patients, you can find her running in the beautiful city of Charlotte. Dr. Johnson also enjoys the musical arts, international travel, and the great outdoors. She is happily married and loves spending quality time with her husband, stepson and dog, Apollo.Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas ⦁ Instagram: ⦁ @fertilitycarolinas Support IAM Podcast at by Buying A Coffee https://ko-fi.com/infertilityandmepodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have your or someone you know experienced devastating pregnancy loss or miscarriage? Are you taking the necessary steps to healing? Narelle's TTC story began when her husbands vasectomy reversal operation was unsuccessful. They started IVF and became pregnant after five cycles. Unfortunately, they suffered great loss at 23w gestation. Their baby boy River, did not survive. This episode is for you, if you have experienced a loss/es during your path to family expansion.Narelle Hudson is the owner of a Counselling and Natural Therapy Practice ​in Brisbane Australia, which offers treatments for the mind, body, and soul. Narelle is also the author of a book called: The Baby Dream- Learning to Live with Infertility and Loss.Time Stamps:00:00:00- Intro00:02:41- Narelle00:19:24- Pregnancy concerns and premature labor.00:31:54- Healing through grief however you need to.Support IAM Podcast at by Buying A Coffee https://ko-fi.com/infertilityandmepodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you suffered from fibroids, endometriosis, or surprise diagnosis? Our guest Brittney Jackson has.Brittney and her husband began their family expansion in the late summer of 2017 when Brittney stopped birth control. Brittney was no stranger to reproductive organ issues before 2017. She states that her menstrual cycles were painful for much of her life and she suffers from fibroids and recurrent cysts.Brittney sought the help of her ob/GYN after some time and in 2019 she and hubby completed a few rounds of medicated clomid cycles, unsuccessfully. Shortly after, Brittney was diagnosed with a blocked fallopian tube. While her doctor performed surgery to remove her blocked fallopian tube, endometriosis was found, which explained the years of painful periods. Through all of this, Brittney remained a faithful and devoted bonus mom of two. Brittney is the host of "Fertility Aint Fair." A community that acknowledges that all fertility is not created equal. The mission is to normalize the conversations around infertility, reproductive health, and motherhood for all. Real. Raw. Unfiltered. Follow on social!-Eggs Over Easy Film  -Hannah's Daughters -Fertility For Colored Girls  -The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation  -Sisters In Loss  -Kellee Stewart  -The Broken Brown Egg  -Coach Gessie -Nichelle Polston  *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support IAM Podcast at by Buying a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/infertilityandmepodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Would you continue trying to conceive after 10 years with no luck? Our guest Vijaya Javali did! (success story)Vijaya suffered through 10 years of unexplained infertility before getting a BFP. She and her husband began trying to conceive a year and a half after marriage. In the fall of 2006, she went for a fertility consult with her ob/GYN. Over the next few months, she would complete numerous tests and laparoscopic surgery to rule out any hidden medical issues. In the spring of 2007, she would endure an unsuccessful IUI (intrauterine insemination), which would be followed by more unsuccessful attempts and no explanation for not getting pregnant.After some years of TTC(trying to conceive) naturally, 12 months of consistent Ayurveda medicine, more testing by a new reproductive endocrinologist, egg retrieval that resulted in three embryos, and a fresh embryo transfer of all three embryos, Vijaya conceived naturally in August of 2017 with her son. Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously! Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramShare your thoughts about the show, here!Follow Vijaya on social!Support IAM Podcast by Buying A Coffee Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you over the age of 35 or 40 and trying to conceive?Shelley Tokish, a mixed-race (African American/ Caucasian), is a 42-year-old female with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. She has been TTC for 3 years, which included 3 fibroid surgeries and 2 rounds of IVF. She got pregnant with twins after transferring 2 untested embryos from her second round of IVF. Unfortunately, Shelley lost one of the babies at 10 weeks. She gave birth to the surviving twin and her daughter is now 17 months. Recently, she's been TTC again and is now dealing with secondary infertility. Shelley transferred her last 4 embryos in two separate transfers. The first was unsuccessful, the last one she got a BFP, but lost the baby the week before Thanksgiving, at 6 weeks gestation. Shelley is passionate about sharing her story to encourage older women who are trying and/or trying again to conceive. And for women who have had reoccurring losses.Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!You can watch this episode and others, here!Connect with Monique on social!Support IAM Podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/infertilityandmepodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you feeling less than excited about the New Year and your continued road of infertility? 2021 has been a year of many ups downs. Living with infertility during a pandemic, aka COVID-19, is not only stressful, but down-right bullshit!Monique shares helpful, compassionate, and simple reminders that you can implement today and take with you into 2022. Happy New Year friend, this show and community would be NOTHING without you;) You can watch this episode and others here! Don't forget to Follow on social.*Please be advised that Monique is NOT a mental health professional. All commentary is life experience-based.**00:00:00-Intro00:02:40-Shoutout to all of the amazing 2020 friends who shared both publicly and anonymously on the show: Stacey Brown, Barb (anonymous), Mia Clermont, Sarah (anonymous), Aiza Frayer, Veronica (anonymous), Sondra Wyckoff, Nina (anonymous), Cassandra Conley, Aaliyah( anonymous), Tiffany Lewis, Meaghan Shaffer, Ashley Hardy, Jessi Shuraleff, Bethany Jewell, The ladies of Infertilidad Latina Podcast: Audrey, Jasmine, Blanca, Denise (anonymous), Krystle Chavez, Emily Ginn, Gianna (anonymous), and Dr. Natasha  00:05:40-Topic: infertility and a New Year*shirt and hat in episode video from: Intertile Tees00:16:40-Give your spouse the gift of being a safe-space.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support IAM Podcast by Buying A CoffeeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you suffered from recurrent miscarriages? In this episode, Dr. Natasha shares her story of loss and unexplained infertility. She was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, possibly, due to Ashermans syndrome. Dr. Natasha has had five losses, two of which were tubal ectopic pregnancy and one cervical ectopic pregnancy. After two rounds of IVF and many canceled transfers, she and her husband welcomed their first daughter and four years later their second daughter. Dr. Natasha uses her pharmacology expertise to educate men and women that suffer from fertility struggles.**Please be advised that Monique is NOT a mental health professional. All commentary is life experience based**Topics discussed:MiscarriageEctopic pregnancyMental Health TherapyAshmermans syndromeSuccessful IVF treatmentImportance of medication educationFollow Dr. Natasha on IG and be sure to get access to your freebie.You can watch this episode and others, here!Connect with Monique on social!Share your thoughts about the show, here!Support IAM Podcast by Buying A CoffeeIf you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend maybe even two;)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you noticed a change in the way you view yourself since your fertility struggles began? After being diagnosed with infertility, we second guess who we are. Things we were once passionate about don't seem to bring joy any longer. In this episode, Monique shares tools and tactics she used to help rebuild low self-worth, after being diagnosed with infertility. **Please be advised that Monique is NOT a mental health professional. All commentary is life experience based**00:00:00-Intro00:01:52-Topic intro and recommended episodes mentioning BMI discrimination from reproductive endocrinologists. 1.) Denise-3/26/21-Trying to conceive when you're a single woman2.) Ashley-8/21/20-I'm still in here: PCOS, fibromyalgia, and lupus survivor00:04:22-Self-esteem and Infertility00:08:07-After the diagnosis.00:09:46-Assess whether you had feelings of low self-esteem before pregnancy loss and infertility.00:12:43-Healthy ways of coping that won't create more toxicity.Keep up with meditation/praying if you can. Continue exercising, keeping in mind your Dr's recommendations. Otherwise, low-impact exercise such as walking can have the same physical and mental effects.Indulge in hobbies and passions.00:16:40-Have honest discussions with your spouse about how you're feeling about your self-imagery.00:19:46-Increase intimate moments with your spouse if it applies, that is nonsexual.The way you speak to yourself matters subconsciously.00:22:26-Remember, you are worthy of self-love. Infertility and loss does not make you less of a woman or man.Support IAM Podcast by Buying A CoffeeYou can watch this episode and others, here!Connect with Monique on social!If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend maybe even two;)Share your thoughts about the show, here!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Monique shares what's been going on in her personal life and if she'll seek IVF treatment for another chance at motherhood. She also gives practical tips and thoughts on how to navigate the Holidays and family, emotionally. Lastly, Monique shares a few answers from others in the community and how they're coping with infertility. Answers were received from questions she asked on Instagram stories. Tune in for your dose of validation. **Please be advised that Monique is NOT a mental health professional. All commentary is life experience based**00:01:15-Catching up and what has been going on.00:09:45-Topic:Why do we get depressed?Healthy boundaries with family.a.) Saying no to conversations you can't entertain.b.) Limiting your time at your family's house.c.) Consider staying home.The reality is, we cannot avoid loved ones forever.a.) Isolation during fertility treatments is real and emotionally taxing.You can watch this episode and others, here!Connect with Monique on social!If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend maybe even two;)Private Communities mentioned in this episode:@sistersinloss -Private facebook & podcast community that is  Christian/Faith based@infertilityunfiltered -Private community platform@fertilityrescripted -Private community platform@fertilityrally -Private community platformEnjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Tap here to take our yearly podcast and community survey!Support IAM Podcast by Buying A CoffeeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How many times have you felt alone during your path to parenthood or family expansion? Too many to count right?!? Anonymous guest Gianna is a 30-something entertainer abroad and has been trying to conceive for five years. After two unsuccessful cycles of IUI's(intrauterine insemination), Gianna states that she began to feel an overwhelming sense of grief.The grief of not finding love in a partner and that becoming a mom was going to be much harder than she anticipated. Gianna paused trying to conceive for two years to focus on her mental and emotional health with the help of a therapist. Gianna has resumed treatment and if her current IUI cycle is unsuccessful, she plans to move forward with IVF in August.Email Monique at info@moniquefarook.com to submit as an anonymous guest. Get social with Monique on Instagram If you like Infertility And Me PodcastEnjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you grown tired of people telling you: "you should be grateful," "It will happen when you least expect," and "think positive thoughts?" If so, this episode is for you. Emily Ginn joins us again on the pod to discuss the subliminal toxic positivity we absorb through social media and everyday culture. We also delve deeply into how toxic positivity doesn't allow one to experience their negative emotions and its dismissiveness. Links to things talked about: Connect with Emily *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!You can watch this episode and others, here On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are joined today by career woman, wife, and infertility advocate Krystle Chavez. Krystle was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and hydrosalspinx while engaged to her now-husband. A year after surgery to correct hydrosalpinx, Krystle began having severe pain and the fluid had returned with a vengeance. June of 2020, Krystle's right fallopian tube was removed completely. She has had three unsuccessful IUI's (intrauterine insemination) and is in the midst of her first IVF treatment cycle. Krystle says she has faced emotional obstacles such as shame, guilt, and jealousy but it was not until last year that all of the emotional and mental struggles she tucked under the rug exploded outwardly.She often questioned God, why not us? Cultural belief systems played a huge role in Krystle and her husband sharing openly about infertility in their personal lives, creating a YouTube channel to document their story, and an Instagram page. Krystle describes leaning on her faith in God as an anchor and the only thing keeping her grounded on most days. Links to things talked about:Connect with Krystle on Instagram*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support IAM Podcast at: https://ko-fi.com/infertilityandmepodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine you are single, hold a high-profile position for an elected official, and have been TTC for four years. Today's anonymous guest is Denise. Denise has had her fair share of ups and downs over the last four years when she decided she would try to conceive on her own. She has survived multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells, blocked fallopian tubes, and the partial removal of fibroid tumors. Denise has been to four reproductive endocrinologists because none will provide care for her unless she loses weight. She felt none of them truly respected her and only saw her as a type ie. a black woman who is plus size. It was then that Denise decided she would take matters into her own hands and sought the help of a midwife who referred her to a doctor that specialized in all body types. Email Monique if you would like to share on the podcast as an Anonymous guest. infertilityandme@outlook.com*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you taking a forced or deliberate pause from trying to conceive through IVF treatment, IUI's, or trying to conceive naturally? Today's guests are Jasmine, Blanca, and Audrey: a group of friends who are the creators of the Infertilidad Latina Podcast. Today the ladies share their infertility diagnosis', struggles with finding community before becoming friends, why two of them are on a break from trying to conceive, and the process of surrogacy abroad.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bethany Jewell, a fertility yoga instructor was diagnosed with secondary infertility. Bethany became pregnant with her son very easily and quickly after marrying her husband. She shares in this episode what the last six years have been like trying to conceive a second child, and letting go of common labels such as "infertile." We also discuss the intense anxieties we feel while in the wait.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you someone who has A-type personality traits or considers themself an over-achiever? If so, today's episode with Jessi Shuraleff will surely resonate with you. Jessi shares her struggle to motherhood after being diagnosed with unexplained infertility and how difficult it was to shed her perfectionist tendencies, and navigate working in corporate America. Jessi says her biggest lessons were letting go of things that were out of her control, asking for help, and taking the mask off of infertility. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's thirty days after you've taken your vows, and you're being rushed into the emergency room by your new spouse. The pain in your abdomen is intolerable. This is no fiction story, it is the beginning of Ashley Hardy's long road to motherhood. Doctors told Ashley and her husband, that she was suffering from hydrosalpinx in both Fallopian tubes, and she would not be able to have children naturally. Of course, not knowing what that meant, she panicked. Ashley followed up with her ob/GYN and he echoed their sentiments but wanted to be sure with an HSG test. One tube was completely blocked and she had that removed. Ashley's doctor attributed the scar tissue and blockage to a fibroid removal surgery 8 years prior. She had a massive fibroid that was causing a lot of issues. Ashley was also diagnosed with PCOS. Since she had one open fallopian tube, insurance insisted she complete 4 rounds of IUI, which were unsuccessful. She was later approved for IVF. During egg retrieval, doctors discovered an issue with the remaining fallopian tube and it was removed before moving forward. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meaghan Shaffer describes walking away from further IVF treatment as feeling utterly exhausted and wanting to completely withdraw. She shares her struggle with thoughts of "just one more time," as many of us do. Meaghan says she felt like she owed her husband a different life; a world without the constant obsession of TTC. She feels for her situation specifically, that they are on pause from TTC; rather than never going back. Meaghan suffered roughly four miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, which resulted in both fallopian tubes being removed on separate occasions, and three unsuccessful IVF cycles.  If you enjoy Infertility And Me Podcast, Follow so you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like Infertility And Me Podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (maybe even two);) Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine being consistently sick for months before you were to tie the knot and get married. So much physical pain that it became unbearable. Today's guest, Tiffany Lewis was told by a doctor in the emergency room that she would need immediate surgery to remove scarring due to endometriosis.Tiffany awakened from emergency surgery to find that a salpingectomy had been performed (removal of both fallopian tubes). She describes the experience as deceitful. Doctors told Tiffany that one fallopian tube would be removed, not both. Before this day, Tiffany was not diagnosed with endometriosis. Like many of us, Tiffany was not in the holiday spirit and found herself depressed and unable to log into Facebook to support the ladies in her private infertility group. It's the New Year, and with a much anticipated early February appointment for the next steps before an IVF cycle, Tiffany drew strength from her faith to push through and find hope once more.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How would it make you feel if you were handed a brochure about miscarriage and the nurse or doctor walked away? Our anonymous Friend of this week is Aaliyah. She shares the suffering of recurrent miscarriages and the lack of empathy she received from more than one doctor. She and her husband both had children from previous relationships with no issues, so their four losses and secondary infertility diagnosis were not foreseeable.Aaliyah began to wonder: Why am I getting pregnant if I cannot stay pregnant? Aaliyah has a doctoral degree and is studying the coping mechanisms of black women suffering from secondary infertility and miscarriage. She hopes to better bridge the gap between mental health therapists and women of color to help support them through their trauma. Links to things talked about:*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cassandra Conley never imagined she would be diagnosed with fibroids while engaged to her ex-husband in her late twenties. Cassandra's fibroids were so large, her fallopian tubes were suppressed, and her ovaries took time to locate during sonograms. She had a laparoscopic myomectomy to remove her fibroids while also preserving fertility.A myomectomy is often performed to leave the uterus intact so that the patient can conceive and become pregnant in the future. Although fibroids have grown again, Cassandra can function through her day-to-day life at a much higher level before surgery. Cassandra also froze her eggs in June of 2020.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we are joined by our anonymous friend who goes by Nina. Nina and her significant other have been trying to conceive for two years with no success. Nina was diagnosed in the early part of 2020 with unexplained infertility during the current COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her struggle to find community on social media with it being very white in most support groups or pages. She is a Professor of Latinx Studies who examines histories of racial and reproductive justice. Her current work focuses on the history of sterilization abuse. Nina has found her struggles with infertility very conflicting at times, and she is developing ways to increase reproductive education.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sondra shares her story of tubal infertility, growing up with painful periods, and finally getting her big fat positive. Sondra is the best-selling author of Girlfriend's Guide to Infertility. Sondra first shared publicly about her diagnosis with infertility in the international best selling book Women Who Illuminate. Sondra has a passion for networking and connecting with like-minded people. She believes that women should feel empowered to educate themselves about health and wellness; as they are the decision-makers of their household. When you know better, you do better. Sondra aspires to build a community of women that support each other both personally and professionally. She has started a Facebook group, Fearless Femmes Facing Fertility, where women can share their struggles, ask questions, and enjoy each other's company while navigating their road to motherhood.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Veronica is an ambitious woman who never foresaw struggling to conceive naturally. Reconnecting after some years, Veronica and her husband dated and married. Self-proclaimed pro-science, Veronica was gung-ho about IVF treatment. Creating the perfect environment to carry new life was all she focused on. She was devastated, to say the least, when she experienced miscarriage after multiple egg retrievals. During an emergency D & C, it was discovered that Veronica had a mild case of Asherman's Syndrome.Asherman's syndrome, which is also referred to as intrauterine adhesions or intrauterine synechiae, occurs when scar tissue (adhesions) forms inside the uterus and/or the cervix. Asherman syndrome occurs primarily after a dilation and curettage performed for elective termination of pregnancy, a missed or incomplete miscarriage, or to treat a retained placenta after delivery. It may occur with or without hemorrhage after delivery or elective termination of pregnancy. Less often, it results after a dilation and curettage for a non-obstetrical procedure for excessive bleeding, sampling for endometrial cancer, or removal of endometrial polyps. It can also occur after surgery to remove uterine fibroids.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aaiza speaks with us today about being a Muslim-American woman with infertility. Aaiza and her husband have been trying to conceive for three years and have undergone seven IVF treatment cycles so far. Aaiza describes her struggle with low embryo quality before having laparoscopic surgery to remove stage-two endometriosis. We also speak about the false sense of security that IVF treatment makes us feel because of the emotional and financial investment.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's Anonymous Infertility Warrior goes by Sarah. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, endometriosis, genetic defect causing blood clotting issues, and risk for miscarriage. Sarah states that the purpose of her trying to conceive Instagram account is to let veterans and their partners know about what fertility services/benefits the VA offers and other programs and grants that are out there. She is passionate about bringing awareness to current issues and alternative ways for LGBTIA+ veterans to create their families.Sarah says the main reason she keeps her Instagram account anonymous is because of her immediate family being non-supportive of ART(assisted reproductive treatment). However, she still feels the need to reach out to the veterans dealing with infertility and know they have options and are not alone. Sarah also suffers from PTSD due to military service. Sarah spent 8 years in the air force, medically retired due to a traumatic ankle injury and PTSD; deployed to Iraq for OIF, got out of the military in 2010. She met her husband in 2012, married in 2016, took three years to have their firstborn.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"I always knew I wanted to be a mom, no matter what that looked like." Imagine undergoing surgery at the age of 11 years old and having one of your ovaries removed (Oophorectomy). 14 years later, you're back under the knife to have an ovarian tumor removed from the remaining ovary. Today's guest Mia Clermont went through all of this and more before getting her Big Fat Positive in, summer of 2020.Mia and her husband met in 2014/2015. After marrying, they began trying to conceive and did so with no luck for approximately eight months. Followed by two unsuccessful Clomid and IUI (intrauterine insemination) cycles. Once she consulted with her reproductive endocrinologist, she was diagnosed with infertility and hydrosalpinx. (Hydrosalpinx is a distension or dilatation of the fallopian tube in the presence of a distal tubal occlusion, and the most common cause is pelvic inflammatory disease.Hydrosalpinx was primarily due to the previous surgeries, which resulted in both of Mia's fallopian tubes being removed (salpingectomy). Mia began stims in Feb 2020 and had surgery in March, one week after her retrieval. Her transfer was in June and was successful.Submit your story to Monique via email at infertilityandme@outlook.com for a chance to record and help end the stigma surrounding infertility. Connect on Instagram & SUBSCRIBE on YouTubeEnjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode features our very first #AnonymousInfertilityWarriors episode. I am delighted to bring you a new series of the show that features guests who wish to share publicly but have their identity hidden for personal or work reasons. In this episode, our anonymous friend, who goes by Barb, shares her secondary and unexplained infertility story.In this episode, we discuss:Barb's miscarriages Getting pregnant with her firstborn Finding support online11:00-Navigating IVF treatment and parenting 13:00-Being an A-type woman navigating infertility17:00-Marriage21:46-"If you were standing face-to-face with infertility, what would you say?" *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"My body made a decision for me and without me. I did not consider having kids until someone told me that I can't.'-Stacey Brown Imagine being told over the phone by your doctor that you have an underdeveloped vagina; no empathy, no compassion, no explanation. Stacey Brown, a 25-year-old college graduate diagnosed with MRKH in 2019 while preparing for her Master's degree finals.What life was like for Stacey in the weeks leading to receiving her diagnosis. The moment she was home in a safe-space, post-diagnosis, and able to process fully. How loved ones handled her diagnosis. Being angry with God. Stacey's feelings about intimacy and dating.MRKH or Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome is a congenital disorder of the female reproductive system. Girls with MRKH have normal ovaries and fallopian tubes, an absent or incomplete vagina, no cervix, and an underdeveloped uterus (uterine remnant) or no uterus at all. Women with MRKH may produce eggs, but cannot get pregnant. IVF treatment is needed to retrieve eggs as well as a surrogate. An absence of menses is usually the first sign and painful sex. Affects 1 in 4 women-5,000 general population.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today Marilyn B. Gomez is back as a co-host and helps celebrate the end of season 1 on the podcast by Shootin The Sh*t with us.This is an unstructured episode full of laughs, candidness, and a few TMI moments. Thank you, friends, for being here in this space over the last year! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and I'll be back on January 12th, 2021, with season 2. In this episode, we discuss:A year in podcasting, building community and making new friends through social media. COVID and the new normal Owning your authenticity and making no apologies for it. 29:25-Recognizing when you're feeling resentful within your marriage. Being honest with your spouse about your emotional state. Getting professional help from a counselor. 35:19-Creating more meaningful intimate moments with your spouse.Links to things talked about:Get Social with Marilyn Check, out Marilyn's shop for Infertility Warriors.Give your feedback about IAM Podcast here for the yearly review!Follow Infertility And Me on Instagram Regina Townsend The Broken Brown EggIf you like Infertility And Me Podcast, subscribe now(it's free), and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like Infertility And Me Podcast, screenshot today's episode and tag Monique on Instagram.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you preparing for IVF treatment, in treatment, IUI, medicated cycle, or in the midst of trying to conceive naturally? If you said yes, then today's episode is for you. Caitlin Townsend, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, discusses simple and effective ways to create healthier eating habits.In This Episode: Caitlin shares herbs and foods to help increase conception naturally or in combination with reductive fertility treatment, such as milk thistle, fennel, and zinc. Herbs and foods men can incorporate to increase fertility The role gut health plays in fertility and excess hormones Why warm water in the morning to start your day is essential. Making an effort to get on the same page as your spouse about healthy living.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!You can watch this episode and others, here On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Picture for a moment, being young, vibrant, and in a healthy place in your life, only to be told that your husband has a condition called Azoospermia. How would you react, would it be a deal-breaker in your relationship, do you believe your spouse would be willing to use donor sperm? Men with Azoospermia have a complete absence of sperm from the fluid ejaculated during orgasm (semen). Azoospermia may occur because of an obstruction in the reproductive tract or inadequate sperm production. This condition can cause male infertility. Sperm may be surgically extracted or provided by a donor for artificial insemination.Today's guest, Jessica Thornton, knows personally about the effects of male factor infertility. Jessica and her husband knew from the very beginning that they wanted to be parents, but it never occurred to them that fertility struggles were on the horizon. When the first results of Jessica's husbands' sperm revealed low sperm count, it became apparent that their hopes of parenthood wouldn't come to fruition without a fight. Jessica describes their experience searching for a sperm donor surreal and weird wrapped together.A few things you will learn from Jessica: how to be patient with your infertile spouse, remembering that you aren't the only one suffering, using personal strengths such as, comedy and playfulness to stay connected with your spouse, being patient with yourself, and how to include close family and friends along your journey.Jessica is a pediatric occupational therapist and resides on the west coast of the US with her husband and fur-baby.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Like many of us, Brett waited until she was in her 30's to find love and settle down. Brett Russo was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated with a degree in business management from Bucknell University, where she also met her future husband. After graduation, Brett found her passion working beside her twin brother and father for her family’s printing company, of which she is now the chief executive officer. She married her husband in 2015, and together they fought the hardest battle of their lives with their journey through IVF. Brett lives in New Jersey with her husband and their one-year-old son, who enjoys meatloaf and responding with “Nah” every time his mom asks for a kiss.Book Description: "After another call from the fertility clinic reporting negative test results, Brett Russo started to panic. Unrecognizable to herself after countless rounds of unsuccessful IVF, she felt like a failure to herself, a disappointment to her husband, and the only female on Facebook without kids. At thirty-eight, Brett had a great career and a loving partner. But when they decided to start a family, her success story took a turn. She quickly learned that the answer to when she was having kids wasn’t as simple as she once thought.In The Underwear in My Shoe, Brett takes you on her journey through IVF, a story of personal struggle and isolation mixed with humor. She shows you that only when she truly lost herself did she discover her inner strength and a sisterhood in the other women going through IVF—discoveries that changed her forever."*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amy was diagnosed with infertility and spent years trying to conceive, thousands upon thousands of dollars, and countless days rethinking every step of the process. Amy shares her reasons for writing The Trying Game; get through fertility treatment and get pregnant without losing your mind. Amy states that she has always written about whatever she was going through, from jumping out of a plane to the scary world of dating. As a health and lifestyle reporter, she found her first foray into the world of infertility fascinating — and tumultuous. Amy thought baby-making would be quick. It wasn't three years and 30+ columns later in The New York Times, and stories in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Slate, Haa'retz, and The Forward she finally got and stayed pregnant (my fifth pregnancy!).Now she wants to help everyone get and stay pregnant and avoid many of the pitfalls and mistakes she made and to not go crazy along the way.In this episode, we discuss:Amy's fertility journey, the research required to write the book, judgments we make against pregnant strangers, knowing your fertility status, being competitive towards other women.20:30-Baby envy Effects of infertility on marriage and relationships*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you worried you won't survive the holidays without indulging too much in your favorite comfort foods? If so, you'll want to tune-in to today's episode with Charlotte Grand, the founder of The Fertility Kitchen. Charlotte gives us tips on surviving the holiday season and maintaining our healthy lifestyle for fertility.Bio: Charlotte is a Qualified and Registered Nutritional Therapist and specializes in preconception care and fertility. In her virtual practice, she focuses on the root cause, individualized nutrition, and optimal health to give her clients the best chance of conception and a healthy baby. She works with a diverse range of clients from those looking to optimize their preconception well-being to help clients with fertility issues, such as unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, male factor infertility, immune and thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis, and PCOS, to supporting those navigating assisted conception.Charlotte created The Fertility Kitchen as a resource to empower women to take ownership of their fertility through nutrition and lifestyle medicine. She infuses joy into eating for fertility and provides a wealth of ideas and easy-going recipes. She believes food is the key to laying down the foundations for optimal fertility, IVF success, and healthy pregnancy and is continually astounded by the medicinal effects of eating well. This drives her passion for cooking, lifestyle, and nutritional medicine.In this episode, we discuss:Charlotte's fertility journey11:56- Being aware of what works for you nutritionally Some signs of nutrient deficiency18:30-How to stay on track with our healthy eating during the Holidays *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been searching the internet for simplified ways to improve your lifestyle for fertility, but often become overwhelmed by the vast amount of information? The holiday season is here, and this week's theme is wholistic living. Kicking the week off with Kela Smith, the founder of The Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E Society. Kela gives us an inside look into her program and how she became pregnant after unsuccessful reproductive assistance attempts. Listen to the entire episode to get Kela's organic fudge recipe, just in time for the holidays.Kela is the C.E.O. and program director of the Hormone Puzzle Society, a woman's health hub for fertility, hormones, and the business of coaching. She is also one of the coaches at the Society. Kela works with women struggling with infertility and hormone imbalance and coaches them to get pregnant naturally and eliminate hormone imbalance symptoms.  Kela brings over 20 years of experience as a professional fitness trainer, wellness educator, and author. To date, she has published multiple books on fertility and hormones and four distinct online courses.  Kela holds four different qualifications as a Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Coach. She realized her dream of creating a virtual holistic health and wellness practice and helping women worldwide solve these issues. As the Hormone Puzzle Method creator, Kela helps her clients learn how to cycle sync, so they have pleasant periods, boosted fertility, happy hormones, hotter sex lives, and greater creativity, productivity, and well-being at work.In this episode, we discuss:Kela's fertility journey21:48-What the P.U.Z.Z.L.E. stands for in Kela's program15:10-Small changes we can make today How to properly use supplements35:38-Cycle syncing for exercise(menses)41:29-Sex & libido health Kela's Organic fudge recipe*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you need a good laugh, some candid conversation, and a few TMI moments; this episode is for you! Today's episode features the host of Tootsie Rolaids Podcast, Rocio. A NY native and mom to one IVF miracle baby boy. Rocio's journey to motherhood would test every facet of her life, including her faith. Rocio knew that she might one day have trouble trying to conceive because infertility was present on both sides of her family. She was diagnosed with unexplained infertility. With a strong support system, Rocio and her husband overcame the odds and realized their parenthood dreams.Rocio and Monique also discuss in this episode, the importance of knowing your fertility status before marriage, lack of Latina representation in the fertility space, and how she navigated being a Christian going through IVF treatment. Tap here to connect with Rocio!*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!You can watch this episode and others, here On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you often feel shame around your infertility, miscarriage, or loss? If you answered yes, then you will want to tune-in to today's episode with Emily Ginn. The dictionary defines shame as: the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another. susceptibility to this feeling. disgrace; ignominy. Infertility is not your fault, nor does it bring disgrace upon your loved ones. Yet we cannot seem to heal entirely from shame. Too often, we allow outside forces to influence the thoughts and emotions concerning our circumstances. Within this episode, Monique and Emily discuss how we can heal and be fully empowered again while on our journeys. Emily states: Shame is a non productive emotion and compassion is the antidote. Emily Ginn is a Certified Life Coach, Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), grief and crisis expert, IVF survivor, wife, and mom. She offers a proven framework, deeply rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help you process your emotions about your journey and create a different experience around your fertility treatments. In this episode, we discuss: Emily's infertility journey Root causes of shame How to trade shame for positive vulnerability How to recognize of be mindful of when shame arises Why healing from shame is critical for emotional wellbeing How shame affects intimacy with our spouses Emily's three biggest tips to healing.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What does being a mother or father mean to you? How far are you willing to go and what are you willing to risk to achieve your dreams of parenthood?Shara Hutchinson shares her eight-year journey to motherhood, miscarriage, selling items from her home, and other resourceful ways she and her husband funded their fertility and IVF treatments. After enduring a tumultuous journey to pregnancy, Shara published her first book in 2018, entitled “I Still Want to Be a Mom”. She shares the hidden details of her 8-year journey from infertility to motherhood with the hope of inspiring women with similar struggles.Shara is a TEDx speaker and the founder of the I Still Want to Be a Mom Foundation, established to strengthen, support, and encourage women diagnosed with infertility.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We all know how expensive and financially taxing IVF treatment and other forms of fertility treatment can be, which is why today's Bonus episode features Gift Of Parenthood Grants. G.O.P. is a charitable grant program for uninsured couples and individuals who seek financial assistance. If you follow G.O.P. on social media but do not know much about them, tune in to today's episode. Misson per the website: Gift of Parenthood is a charitable grant program dedicated to helping couples and individuals struggling with infertility. The program aims at helping families conceive through advanced fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF, egg donation, embryo donation, and gestational surrogacy. Our goal is to disburse grants four times a year based upon the availability of funds. We do NOT distribute grants at any other time during the year other than immediately after the grant deadlines. In This Episode: G.O.P.'s Mission Who founded G.O.P. How many times a year grants are available Application process Other opportunities for financial help.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever considered traveling abroad to receive IVF treatment? Going abroad for fertility treatment can be scary, but each year; a small portion of US Citizens make their way across borders for a shot at parenthood at a significantly lower cost. In today's episode, Lucia Lambert from the UK joins us to discuss her path to motherhood. For some, her journey may seem a little unconventional. Lucia traveled to Prague to be treated and cared for by a reproductive endocrinologist. She offers a detailed account of her experience and how it inspired her and her partner to begin offering boutique services for those seeking to be treated abroad.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the last week Infant & Pregnancy Loss Awareness month. Advocacy, awareness, and celebration has been tremendous all over social media. Remember that our work does not end here. Much like infertility, stillbirth, miscarriage, and pregnancy-reductions are very taboo topics, and we often tiptoe around them as a society. The closing of this month's awareness to the babies we have lost feels final in some ways, but moms and dads are still grieving and need our support. In this episode, Monique encourages you to continue your advocacy efforts beyond October, seek healing with the help of a licensed trauma therapist or counselor, naming your baby if you haven't, and making physical space in your home to honor your baby.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you have days or weeks that you feel like you’re just surviving and not fully thriving and living your best life while trying to conceive? In today's episode, Amber Fischer shares her diagnosis of endometrial cancer, PCOS, and her infertility journey. Amber never envisioned that she would be a cancer survivor, let alone it reoccurring after she gave birth to her miracle boy. Amber's endometrial cancer returned due to an increase of estrogen during fertility treatment, pregnancy, and nursing her son. Amber educates us on the relevance of the functional nutrition approach and what that could mean for health and fertility. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*WARNING* This Bonus episode is about stillbirth and may be triggering for some. The month of October is Infant & Pregnancy Loss Awareness month. Today's episode features the story of Brittany and Quesse. A young twenty-something couple from the East Coast of the United States, that suffered the loss of their baby girl Saije, at 7 months gestation in May of 2020. According to the CDC: "The rate of stillbirth varies considerably by race and Hispanic origin of the mother. The rate for non-Hispanic white women was 4.89 per 1,000 live births and stillbirths. This rate is similar to that for Asian or Pacific Islander women, who had a stillbirth rate of 4.29.In stark contrast, the rate of stillbirth for non-Hispanic black women was 10.32, more than twice the rate for non-Hispanic white women. The rate for American Indian or Alaska Native women was 7.22, and the rate for Hispanic women was 5.22." (Read here) Brittany and Quesse also share the lack of empathy and care they received at their local community hospital before being transferred to a level one trauma hospital. Brittany and Quesse hope that by giving voice to their pain and advocating for pregnancy loss, others will be inspired to hang onto hope, faith, and know that healing is attainable.You can watch this episode and others, here On YouTube*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you heard of the term reproductive justice? Many often confuse reproductive justice with reproductive rights. The two are distinctly and philosophically different. Reproductive rights are centered around the legal right to access reproductive care services. Reproductive justice bridges reproductive rights with social, political, and economic inequalities that affect a woman's ability to obtain reproductive health care services. With much at stake in this year's election in the United States, Monique brings you a BONUS episode with Dr. Alisha Liggett. Dr. Alisha shares how she advocates and educates women and families in the Bronx, New York.Monique and Dr. Alisha also discuss how hundreds of years of systematic racism within reproductive oppression contribute to the mistrust that black and other brown women have with medical professionals and the healthcare system. Statistically, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and native people have limited access to quality reproductive care and higher rates of reproductive issues. Dr. Alisha and Monique also discuss how to develop healthier eating and lifestyle habits and becoming more aware of what we put into our bodies.Dr. Alisha reminds us to be gentle with ourselves and circumstances. Connect with Dr. Alisha here "The reproductive-justice movement came into its own in June 1994, when a group of mostly white women gathered at a conference in Chicago to hear about the Clinton Administration's proposal for health care reform, which de-emphasized reproductive health care in an attempt to head off Republican criticism. The few black women present were concerned. There was little focus on health services like pre- and postnatal care, fibroid screenings, STI tests, and seemingly no understanding of how black women's "choices" around parenthood and reproductive care were often constrained by things like income, housing, and the criminal justice system.12 black women leaders gathered in a hotel room to discuss how to address these disparities. The group called themselves the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice and bought full-page ads in the Washington Post and Roll Call that featured over 800 signatures calling for any health care reform package to include black women's concerns. Three years later, 16 organizations, including black, Asian. American, Latina, and indigenous women, got together to create SisterSong, a collective devoted to women's reproductive and sexual health and gender-nonconforming people of color, based in Atlanta." -Time Magazine.Dr. Alisha is known as "la doctora," she is a board certified family medicine doctor, with a clinical practice based in New York City. She graduated with a bachelors degree from Columbia University, then earned her MD degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been diagnosed with POR (poor ovarian reserve) or DOR (diminished ovarian reserve)? Females are typically born with two million eggs. At puberty, four hundred thousand, and by her late 30's, just a mere 27,000 on average. Unfortunately, there are no medical interventions to slow-down ovarian aging. (data found here) In today's episode, you will learn the importance of lowering cortisol levels for fertility through the mind body approach. Reproductive hormones that aid in conceiving are more effective when cortisol is decreased. Coach Monika will also share her diagnosis of POR and being told she had the egg reserve of a 44-year-old woman. Monika was determined to beat the odds, so she began her quest to develop a holistic approach to fertility. Monika's program focuses on mindset, lifestyle, and fertility tactics. It was evident to Monika that Western Medicine would not be enough and incorporated Eastern Medicine as well.Make no mistake, Monika does not push or preach to her clients that you should "just relax." instead, she emphasizes lowering cortisol levels through mind-body practices such as walking outdoors, yoga, deep breathing, or meditation. Monique and Monika also discuss the importance of not expecting your reproductive fertility assistance to help you get pregnant quickly.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's episode was recorded outside, so I apologize if the sound is not as crisp as other episodes. Amanda Osowski discusses how her path to motherhood inspired the idea to create Heartfelt Beginnings. Amanda realized that her experience as a patient advocate and Masters in Public Health could greatly serve families struggling to conceive.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Picture for a moment, struggling with addiction while also navigating the uncertainties of infertility. Today's guest Ellen Elizabeth knows all too well about the dangers of addiction. Not only was Ellen struggling to become sober, but she was also diagnosed with infertility in the midst of it all. Plummeting farther and farther into the never-ending abyss of addiction. Shame and guilt plagued Ellen not only for her alcoholism but also for not bearing the children her heart desperately desired. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you struggling to decide if embryo adoption is the right path for you? In today's episode, Jenna Bieber shares her story through female factor and male factor infertility, as well as embryo adoption with the NEDC(national embryo donation center) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Jenna and her husband knew from the beginning of their diagnosis that IVF treatment was not for them. Jenna states: "For us, even before we received the diagnosis, we did not feel that it was God's story for us to pursue IVF." There are many steps to embryo adoption and not as cut and dry as some would perceive. Jenna wants you to know friend: "Be open to what God has for you, and be open to your story because it matters."*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Regina shares her 10-year journey to motherhood and suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Regina and Monique also discuss the lack of brown representation within the fertility and infertility community, the roller coaster of emotions that infertility brings, being an advocate for yourself, and opening the conversation of health issues with our private circle of friends. The lack of education regarding women's health is a continual reminder of why platforms like Regina's is necessary.Follow the Broken Brown Egg *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you a bonus-mom suffering from female factor infertility and often wonder when it will be your turn to give the gift of parenthood to your spouse? Today's episode is with Asia Cash, a wife and mother. After suffering from tubal infertility, the Cash family pursued IVF(invitro fertilization) and birthed their miracle child, Maliya January 2020. But their journey was not without moments of uncertainty and doubt. Like most of us, Asia spent many days feeling lonely and wondering if she would be able to give her husband the gift of parenthood again. Asia and Monique discuss the tricky emotions that comes with infertility, what it is like being a Christian going through infertility, and how to navigate being a bonus-mom when you are struggling with fertility. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wouldn't it be nice to step away from social media and receive support and mentorship during your fertility journey? Our guest in today's BONUS episode 12 created a platform to fulfill that need. Her name is Elyse Ash, and she is the Founder of Fruitful Fertility, a mentorship app for individuals suffering from infertility and loss. All mentors are volunteers who are eager to be that shoulder you need to lean on.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you often felt as if someone else was writing the story to your fertility/infertility journey, leaving you feeling like you have no control? In today's episode, Marilyn Gomez reminds us through her journey to motherhood that we are the authors and possess the pen and paper to write our narrative. We discuss how infertility helped both of us tap into a level of our feminine divine energy that we had never experienced. Marilyn shares in detail what it's like to go through multiple IUI and IVF treatment cycles. You get to choose; we get to decide how our journey begins, proceeds, and ends.You have all of the power necessary and required to move forward, empowered, and in control, friend. Though we may not be able to heal our infertility diagnosis', we can choose how we navigate the beginning, middle, and end. Marilyn did just that, by turning the pain into a business (Infertile Tees) and podcast (mama vida podcast) that allowed her creativity to flourish, and continue to heal.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been stuck on where to start with your nutritional lifestyle changes? Are you overwhelmed by the amount of information on the internet and social media? If so, you're in the right place. Today's episode features September Burton. September is a survivor of recurrent miscarriage.She started her career as a U.S. Navy personal chef to 4-star Admirals, stationed in Sicily, Italy. She has since shared her expertise and passion for nutrition as a recurring guest on KCMJ 93.9 radio show, 'Happy News Now,' and developed a 6-week "Eating for Fertility" nutrition plan for prospective parents. She is the Founder and CEO of "4-months-to-Fertile", working with couples and mothers struggling with primary or secondary infertility, and is the organizer of the first-ever Colorado Fertility Conference.September is passionate about living a life of purpose, helping others build and complete their families, and sharing her knowledge on the healing power of food.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been searching for ways to connect with fellow (in)fertility friends and get more involved in the community? The Cade Foundation offers a wide range of virtual events to support and help you feel connected during your journey.Today's BONUS episode 11, we feature Dr. Camille Hammond, the founder of the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation. A strong resource and support system for (in)fertility sufferers and their families. Dr. Camille Hammond is the current CEO of the Cade Foundation. Before Camille and her husband, Dr. Jason Hammond, co-founded in 2005 the Cade Foundation,Camille practiced as a General Practitioner for several years. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond, medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins and the National Cancer Institute (respectively). Camille's passion and desire to open the Cade Foundation came when she and her husband, Dr. Jason Hammond, had their own unfortunate experience with infertility.Following five years of infertility, Dr.Tinina Cade, Camille's mother, thankfully carried and delivered their triplets. Camille and her family were so overjoyed, they knew they not only had to share their story, but they had to help others. The Cade Foundation was then founded to provide support to families with infertility. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Camille and her family continue to support families overcome infertility across the nation. In addition, Dr. Hammond is actively engaged in social, civic, community, and philanthropic efforts throughout the nation.The Cade Foundation*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you Friend have an auto-immune disease or maybe someone you, this episode is for you! Imagine being a survivor of two autoimmune diseases-fibromyalgia and lupus. Surprisingly, Ashley's autoimmune diseases are not the culprits for her infertile diagnosis; PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is to blame, as well as male-factor.Ashley's TTC journey to motherhood began at a time when she had her life perfectly planned and executed. Finished grad school, married to the love of her life, and a place to call home. But that quickly changed after stopping birth control to try and conceive naturally. Within a matter of months, Ashley was diagnosed with PCOS. She had been on birth control for over 15 years; which she believes helped to mask the symptoms of the condition. After more tests, Ashley's doctor concluded that her body did not ovulate on its own and she would need reproductive assistance to become pregnant. After four medicated cycles with a fertility medication called Letrozole, Ashley and her husband finally had their BFP (big fat positive). But sadly the results of the second beta test concluded that Ashley was going to miscarry. After her miscarriage, a cyst was found on Ashley's ovary which forced her and hubby to take a month off from fertility treatment.Ashley's instagram*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"You're watching everything from the sidelines and you want to do so much, but there's only so much that you can do." Josephine is an expert in meditation and in overcoming adversity to find joy. She is also the creator and host of the podcast, "Responding to Life: Living Reflectively Through a Journey of Health, Fertility, and Parenthood." On the show, Josephine highlights learnings from her thirteen-year journey of love, loss, resilience, and hope to create her modern-day family including five children through non-traditional methods of IVF, adoption, and surrogacy as well as inspirations from guests who have also navigated life’s curve-balls to find joy.Josephine’s passion is to help her meditation clients and podcast listeners channel the power of perseverance, positivity, calm, and courage to overcome obstacles, live joyfully, and mindfully.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maiclaire became pregnant naturally really quickly, but miscarried at nearly 12 weeks. She and her husband then started fertility treatments with IUI. She got pregnant with the second Intrauterine insemination, but sadly miscarried at 9 weeks. Maiclaire completed 5 rounds of IVF. Her first 3 cycles did not produce any blastocysts, so she has never been able to do an embryo transfer. Recently, 3 of her blastocysts were sent for PGS testing. PGS testing: Pre-implantation genetic screening, also known as comprehensive chromosome screening or CCS, is a genetic test designed to examine embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. Embryos are biopsied at the blastocyst stage and all the chromosomes are examined. We also discuss egg donorship and epigenetics.“After the 2 miscarriages and the 2nd IVF cycle with no embryos, I was in a really low place and I was frustrated that no one talks about infertility and recurrent loss so I wrote my book "prequel to parenthood: an infertility story". The book aims to raise awareness about infertility and miscarriage. I wrote it to help others going through this crazy infertility world, but also for those supporting them. One of the most important chapters I wrote is about things people say when they mean well, but it's not well. Several people supporting me during this journey told me that chapter was very powerful because it helped them understand what they should and shouldn't say."Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our guest Eli Weinstein and his wife knew from the very beginning that their path to parenthood may be a bit of a struggle, due to her diagnosis of PCOS before they were married.After three years they began to try naturally for a baby, but after some time they began to wonder if there may be a bigger issue brewing with her PCOS. Much to Eli's surprise, it was both he and his wife that contributed to their infertility. A shocking truth that forever changed the way this therapist would view fertility.Within this episode, Eli offers some great insight for men on how to be a supportive spouse during fertility issues, as well as how to hold yourself accountable emotionally.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine being told during your second cycle of IVF treatment that you have OHSS (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome) and it is because your patient records were accidentally switched with another patients. That happened to today's guest Monica Bivas.Monica and her husband were eager to conceive their first child together, but she was diagnosed through the HSG (Hysterosalpingography ) with blocked fallopian tubes. Monica's third IVF cycle would be the charm and she was pregnant with a babygirl. Sadly though, Monica and her husband suffered great loss at 39w gestation, due to a blood clot in the umbilical cord.After successfully becoming pregnant again, Monica realized she wanted to help others emotionally heal from fertility trauma. Monica is a fertility Coach and mentor. She helps women and couples (no matter the sexual preferences ) all over the world going through IVF and teaches them how to squeeze the sweetness of this journey.Follow Monica*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"A part of me felt like I needed to suffer through this. If I wasn't suffering, I wasn't going to get the result that I wanted." After ten long months of trying to conceive naturally, Millie and her husband Rowan decided it was time to see a reproductive endocrinologist about their fertility.It was determined after four different consultations, that they had male factor infertility. Millie, so graciously and authentically, gives a detailed account of the emotional strain infertility had on their marriage. Couples therapy was a pivotal part of their journey to healing together.Millie recently had her first IVF treatment cycle that resulted in 34 follicles due to OHSS (ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome), 24 fertilized embryos, 9 embryos to six day blastocysts, and 7 embryos returned as normal after PGS testing ( pre-implantation genetic screening). Those numbers are not to make you feel some type of way about yours Friend, Millie wanted to shine light on how serious, and real OHSS can be.Follow Millie*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"You do all of the work, but you're standing on the sideline and you don't even get the chance to play." A quote from today's guest Jasmine Katatikarn, in relation to her first IVF treatment cycle, and unsuccessful embryo development after egg retrieval.Jasmine is a computer animation artist living in New York City, who suffered nearly six years of TTC. She was given the crippling news that she would have less than a 1% chance of conceiving a biological child. Being a creative by profession, Jasmine realized during her journey that she somehow needed to use her creative genius to cope and heal from the effects of infertility.Jasmine has created a coaching service to help others use their own creative problem solving skills to reveal the mental and emotional blockages troubling them most.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After five years of marriage, it was discovered that TJ's husband was the factor in their inability to conceive. Frustrated at the lack of support and resources available for those struggling with male infertility, TJ used her journal as an outlet to deal with the pain.After several years of coping with their infertility through her journal, she finally mustered the courage to share her story with the world through her book, Semen Secrets: Truths and Confessions of a Wife's Journey Through Male Infertility. TJ's journey to parenthood was not easy, but in 2019, she and her husband were blessed to finally realize their dreams of becoming parents to a beautiful baby girl. TJ is a Georgia native with a mission to raise awareness about Male Factor Infertility. She currently works as a public health educator, focused on improving the training and competence of the federal public health workforce. TJ holds a bachelors in English, a masters in Communications, a Doctorate in Health Education, and is currently completing a masters in Clinical Social Work.Follow TJ*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fertility Rally creators Ali Prato and Blair Nelson—discuss the importance of community, inclusiveness, diversity whether its race or LGBTQ+, and why they went into business together.We have a little girl chat and Ali shares with us some funny times with her IVF miracle four year old boy. Blair also gives us an update on her current fertility cycle and the purpose of an ERA (endometrial receptivity test) and why it is done before an embryo transfer. We want you to know that no matter where you are in your journey, whether you're in the midst or on the other side; that there IS community for and waiting on you to enter.Tap here to learn more about Ali & Blair's Community membershipSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Infertility robs you of the optimism that things will improve." If you haven't listened to "It's Okay To Be Angry," go back to episode 5, and have a listen to Amanda's first episode with us.Amanda so graciously agreed to come back on the show and give us an update of her fertility story over the last seven months. We also speak about the pressure we put upon ourselves during the journey and how infertility makes us pessimistic; when all we would really like to be is optimistic. Last time, Amanda was preparing for surgery to possibly have both of her fallopian tubes repaired or removed. Amanda has bilateral tubal blockage with hydrosalpinx. Hydrosalpinx refers to a fallopian tube that's blocked with a watery fluid.To break down the term, “hydro” means water and “salpinx” means fallopian tube. (reproductivefacts.org)Since then, Amanda had her surgery and to her surprise it was discovered that one of her tubes was able to be repaired and her chances of conception through IUI (intrauterine insemination) increased to 28%. Amanda and her husband have had three unsuccessful IUI's and are now awaiting to enter their first IVF cycle in late summer. Follow Amanda*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you been slacking lately in the healthy lifestyle department? We hear it time and time again, eat well, exercise, and get 7-8 hours of sleep. Optimizing your whole self while TTC is so important to prepare for natural pregnancy, IUI, or IVF.Dr. Mary from Brown & Brown Chiropractic, shares actionable steps and tools that we can use right now to take back control and regain our emotional, mental, and physical states. Dr. Mary Sawdon is a naturopathic doctor with a special interest in fertility. She is an associate at Brown & Brown Family Chiropractic in Newcastle, Ontario, Canada and Chief CEO of Fertility Fundamentals— a fertility coaching service. She is also the Host of Fertility Stories podcast.As a naturopath and fertility coach, she helps mums-to-be get calm, confident and in control of their fertility. She is passionate about helping women thrive on their fertility journey; leading them from isolation and overwhelm towards a life of renewed purpose and support. She understands the struggle because she has also gone through her own fertility journey and is now a mum of a baby boy through IVF.Follow Dr. Mary Sawdon*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"It's okay, if you want to stop, stop. If you want to put your health first, that's okay."-Katy Seppi, the creator of "Chasing Creation" childless not by choice community, joins us. Katy and her partner endured four years of infertility before deciding to live childfree.After many years of life-altering pain, Katy finally received a diagnosis of stage four endometriosis and underwent surgery to have it removed; more than once. During her endometriosis treatment, Katy's specialist also discovered fibroid tumors which led to a hysterectomy. Deciding to live childfree at any point in your life, permanently or temporarily is no easy decision.Find Katy here!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Imagine being over the age of 35 and finding yourself tangled in the webs of miscarriage, and infertility. Natalie takes us on her journey through an unexpected miscarriage and four years of infertility before giving birth to her youngest daughter.After one unsuccessful cycle of IVF treatment, Natalie began to seek naturopathic methods to increase her fertility. From acupuncture to yoni steams, Natalie tried it all while also relying heavily on her Christian based beliefs. Finally after four years of infertility, Natalie became pregnant with her miracle baby over the age of 40.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or abortion? If so, episode 34 is for you. We are joined by coach Kimberlee Klein to discuss the ways you can heal spiritually from said losses. Healing from grief has no linear path, which is why Kimberlee reminds us of the importance to acknowledge and celebrate the life of the baby/babies.Whether your loss was years ago or recently, total healing is the ultimate goal. You have done a great job coping with your loss and grief friend, but now it's time to go a bit deeper.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever felt silenced by the pain of Infertility and or loss? Our Nigerian friend Olajumoke Iba, tells us about her journey through five medicated clomid cycles, one missed-miscarriage, three IVF treatment cycles, and the difficult decision to be childless not by choice.Infertility often deceives us into believing that our story and journey isn't needed or that no one wants to hear it. Today and everyday through the strong and authentic stories of warriors on this podcast and social media, we are reminded that we are not alone and that there is power in speaking-up!*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Joanna Pendergrass joins us to discuss her battle with multiple losses due to chromosomal egg abnormalities and unsuccessful IVF cycles. Joanna's journey is unlike many we hear about in the fertility community because she once held uncertainty about motherhood and how that would affect the career she worked arduously to achieve. We explore the expectations society forces onto women to bare children after marriage, the grief of miscarriage, and planning a nursery. Joanna is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer in Atlanta, GA. In her writing, she focuses on pet owner education and human health journalism. JoAnna is passionate about providing patients and pet owners with the medical information they need to make informed health decisions for themselves and their pets. In her spare time, JoAnna enjoys baking, exercising, and playing the viola in a local community orchestra. She and her husband have been married for seven years. Join us as we break down societal structures and heal the silent-sufferer within. Episode Highlights: 02:50- Hesitant to have kids 05:33- I don't want kids 07:55- Societal structures and expectations 12:58- I'm ready now 16:58- Understanding grief 20:58- 1st IVF round and COVID 24:25- Fertility treatment is not elective 29:48- Baby room planning 33:50- Finding community on Instagram *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Do you ever feel like you're stuck, desperately seeking answers to your emotional, mental, and physical well-being during family building? Pradeepa is a fertility coach who survived 12 years of infertility, loss, and repeated unsuccessful cycles.Navigating the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual trauma of infertility is no easy task. We're often left searching for the many questions we ask, such as "Why have I been chosen to bare this burden," will my life ever feel normal again," and last but not least, "when will it be my turn?" Join us we explore the emotional voids of Infertility.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you a couple or single individual considering adoption to grow your family? If so, you'll want to tune-in to today's episode with Sharika Kellogg. Sharika shares with us her unique journey to motherhood as a single woman. She is an angel mom who has suffered multiple miscarriages, IUI's, and IVF treatment cycles- totaling more than one-hundred thousand dollars.She is a single mother or rather a choice mother of 3 little boys (5,4,3) - 2 are adopted - and the eldest whom she has permanent guardianship of. This journey to motherhood is nothing short of determination. Sharika continues to advocate for women through Resolve National Infertility Awareness Association as a mentor. Episode Highlights:01:00- Here's Sharika02:03- When it all changed03:29- Creating a life I envisioned07:47- Fostering to adopt15:19- Mother's Day adoption20:25- Moments of uncertainty26:23- Entrepreneurship34:10- Considering adoption? Here's a few tips adopting as a single woman  *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LaKeisha has over 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and developed her toxic-free, plant derived, US based product line as a sufferer of sensitive skin due to PCOS, and after her battle with infertility. LaKeisha reminds us in this episode, why it is so important to live toxic-free during and after fertility treatments. After conceiving her eldest child via IUI, Lakeisha and her husband miraculously conceived twins four years later naturally. It was then that she quickly realized her purpose was much greater than what she imagined. Episode Highlights:1:20- We're ready3:00- 15 months later we conceived & PCOS symptoms06:00- Trying for a sibling10:26- The stress of infertility and marriage14:10- The birth of Elements of Aliel Skincare line17:39- Gather & Glow Podcast 19:06- In closing*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is for the Moms who have suffered through losing a baby from miscarriage, stillbirth, or any type of child-loss. You are not alone Momma and Jasmine has so graciously offered her story through two losses, one from miscarriage at 11wks, and stillbirth at 19w 5d gestation while in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.Through her journey, Jasmine created the JMason Foundation meant to serve Moms in need with essential baby items. I hope that you are staying safe, getting plenty of outdoor stimulation, and love from those closest to you. I am thinking of you friend and sending love!*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Attorney Jackson shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise for families considering surrogacy, egg, and sperm donation. Attorney Jackson has witnessed first-hand the selfless impact surrogacy and egg donation has on families by his mother and also his wife.When preparing for the process, it is important to note that there are three pillars:1.) The legalities2.) Agency3.) The medical end/clinic.Attorney Jackson also explain the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy, egg/sperm donation process, and which States are considered "Red light" and do not honor contractual agreements for surrogacy. *At the time of this recording, New York was a "red light" state. Since then, New York has passed new laws and is no longer a "red light" state.Episode Highlights:00:30- Attorney Jackson's Inspirations for family law02:06- Consulting with a lawyer 06:35- Traditional vs. gestational surrogacy09:38- Red Light States & surrogacy 00:12:25- Egg/sperm donor-ship00:13:23- COVID1900:19:10- Things to keep in mind*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"Every cycle is not the same, won't be the same, and to be able to try again is a humbling privilege." Nikita shares the success of conceiving her and her wife's son through IUI, after being diagnosed with irreversible tubal blockages, and battling with insurance companies as a same-sex couple.When she decided it was time to try again for a sibling, Nikita's journey would prove that no two fertility cycles are the same and certainly not as easy as she'd hoped. Episode Highlights:00:01:31- Finding Love00:02:55- Motherhood journey begins00:06:00- Infertility in a same-sex marriage00:10:55- Trying for a sibling00:15:58- Can we endure again00:18:50- The gift of surprise00:21:16- Cancelled by COVID1900:24:04- A forced time of healing00:28:18- In closing*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's National Infertility Awareness Week, so I am bringing you a special BONUS episode with Margaret Rogers. Margaret is the Marketing Director at Natalist. Natalist creates "Fertility and pregnancy products; inspired by beauty and backed by science." Finding the right products that you can trust while trying to conceive and during infertility treatments, can be overwhelming. Natalist's products are very easy to use, created and tested by Doctors and Scientists, and affordable to help you along your journey to conception. Margaret also shares her personal journey with trying to conceive and becoming a new Mom.Visit Natalist's website here to learn more about their products!*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode 26, we are joined by founder and host of the Sisters In Loss digital media platform Erica McAfee. Erica's journey to motherhood is a perfect example of turning pain into purpose. After suffering multiple losses, Erica began to question why she and her husband were victims to such tragedies and what it all meant. The birth of her premature son Maxwell, brought new meaning and a never-ending well of Joy into her life she never imagined. Erica is a grief specialist and Doula to families impacted by loss and fertility. Sisters In Loss podcast has been serving women since 2017 and is a place where black women replace silence with storytelling around pregnancy, infant-loss, and infertility.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Episode Highlights: 02:23- Multiple losses 09:43- Ready to try again 13:40- The joy of life 15:49- Caring for Maxwell during COVID19 19:29- Sisters In Loss is born.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

UK based Fertility counselor Kezia Okafor, shares her journey through infertility and the emotional turmoil of unexplained infertility. Kezia was inspired to be of service to the infertility community after her own journey. Zekia believes: “Working together I will support you on your fertility journey and your journey to parenthood; helping you feel less stressed and more able to cope with events and treatments that you have to endure. It’s important that you feel listened to and that you feel someone understands what you are going through.” “In my experience, there is a lack of specialists who can offer emotional support in this area and I aim to help bridge the gap, by being the support you didn’t know you needed."Episode Highlights: 02:17- Counselor kezia 09:58- The assembly line 19:18- Slowing it down 27:08- Pain doesn't subside with a BFP 34:46- It's not taboo*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Patrick Flynn shares his personal story through infertility. We discuss the importance of hormone healing for optimal chances of conceiving and overall health. Dr. Flynn is known to many and founded The Wellness Way clinics 20 years ago & shares his story in his international best-selling book “I Disagree: How These Two Words Are The Secret to Thinking Differently and Taking Control of Your Health.” Dr. Flynn not only studied medicine, but also nutrition and naturopathy extensively.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark P. Trolice, MD, joins us to discuss his personal journey through Infertility. He is a leading medical expert on fertility and a physician who has counseled many hundreds of couples as they cope with and solve their infertility challenges. He is board-certified in both OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility).The clinic he directs, My Fertility Care (Center of Assisted Reproduction and Endocrinology), is in Winter Park, Florida, and he is Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Gainesville in Florida and the Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando. Dr. Trolice’s first book, The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility, was released in January, 2020.The book opens with an exploration of all the possible causes of infertility, covering both couples who have never been pregnant and ones who have had recurrent losses of pregnancies. Unique among infertility guides, this volume gives roughly equal weight to male and female causes, which is important because about 40% of infertility cases are due to men’s issues—and some couples need to address issues in both the prospective mother and prospective father. It covers endometriosis, fibroids, POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), tubal factor, male factor, and other possible causes. Next it looks at your treatment options. Importantly, these are not just medical interventions, but they also include lifestyle changes you alone can make, involving sleep, diet, exercise, and other forms of self-care. Among medical options, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and various surgical procedures are covered in detail.Dr. Trolice's website! (https://www.myfertilitycare.com) Dr. Trolice on Instagram! (https://www.instagram.com/myfertilitycare*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mary Wong -TCM practitioner, founder of Alive Holistic Health Clinic in Ontario, Canada. (In)fertility comes with its own set of anxieties and when you add a health epidemic, things become increasingly hard to manage. We're just a few days away from the second week of social-distancing, so I asked Mary to share with us ways to take back control of our emotional and mental states during the COVID-19 crisis. Mary has over 27 years of TCM and acupuncture experience and overcame her own infertility journey which she shares with us in today's episode.Mary's website! (https://www.aliveholistichealth.ca)Mary on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/marywongrtcmp) Alive Holistic Health Clinic on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aliveholistichealthclinic)*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Episode Highlights: 01:30- Mary Wong, TCM 02:18- What is TCM 03:20- Taking back control during COVID-19 07:48- Live Webinar March 31st 10:30- Increased anxieties 11:41- Mary's personal infertility journey 18:50- Finding community 20:22- postponed and canceled cyclesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dayna Mohan of Louisville, Kentucky joins us to discuss her 10 year long journey with infertility. Once an early childhood educator, Dayna was diagnosed with stage three endometriosis and had four unsuccessful IUI procedures, three of which were non medicated. Eight IVF treatment attempts, one of which through surrogacy, and another cycle through an egg donor. Two unsuccessful adoptions and over 10 miscarriages. Dayna has been through every form of infertility treatment, which led to extreme emotional turmoil and despair. Through her pain, Dayna was able to write a book, which will be released in the fall of 2020. Get your tissues ready and journey with us through the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual effects infertility has on its victims.Follow Dayna! Read Dayna's Blog! Let me know how I can better support you or what topics you'd like to hear on the podcast!Follow Infertility And Me on Instagram! Subscribe, leave a review, and give this podcast a 5 star rating to help spread the message of Connecting & Healing Together through (In)fertility awareness and advocacy!!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After 10 years of infertility, multiple rounds of IVF treatment, and unsuccessful adoption attempts, Erica was inspired to write her book, "No Less Blessed: Seeking God in the wilderness of Infertility and childlessness." Scheduled for release in April of 2020.A book dedicated not only to past or present individuals going through IVF and fertility treatment, but also for the silent-sufferers. Those who are taking a break and no longer wish to pursue treatment, but still hopeful of another path to parenthood.Connect with Erica on Instagram! (https://www.instagram.com/nolessblessed) A sneak peak of No Less Blessed can be found here! (https://www.nolessblessed.com)*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Episode Highlights: 00:28- A quick Thank You! 04:16- Here's Erica 11:38- Personal growth 13:56- Creating "No Less Blessed" 17:12- "Adoption was the hardest chapter" 26:06- The adoption process 29:30- Doing the research 31:13- Marriage 32:20- Still hopeful 36:00- The left-out populations of the (In)fertility community 39:53- Coping and finding hope 42:56- Not quite childless 44:20- ClosingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode 20, we are joined by Leslie Heard. Leslie suffered an abortion and miscarriage at a young age and had no one to turn to. This made her realize the importance and necessity of bereavement specialists. Leslie states: "Women need a safe place to release their feelings and understand their pain without being judged. To not be told they shouldn't talk about their problems." We discuss the importance of healing not just emotionally, but spiritually as well. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Argosy University in Chicago Illinois. She created a nonprofit organization for women called "Godmother Doula." It was created to help women who suffer from child loss, abortion and miscarriage. She is a bereavement Doula who works with women seeking support from traumatic miscarriages, abortions, and infertility. Join me as we discuss healing spiritually to prepare for conception. *Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode 19, Blair Nelson from the Fab Fertility Podcast joins us and gives a very detailed account of her personal fertility journey. Over the course of two years, she has been through multiple rounds of IVF treatments, emotional and physical distress. This is a story of strength, patience, and resiliency. We are reminded through Blair's journey that we cannot go through it alone and the power of community.Highlights: 01:49- Here's Blair05:07- The diagnosis07:39- Infertility Resume13:00-The creation of Fab Fertility17:12- Round two and three 24:18- Community 29:53- #fertilityfuckitfriday 30:00- To the silent sufferers 30:45-Finding community on Instagram 38:23- Bringing voice to pain 40:27- In closing*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode 18, we are joined by Rebekah from the mid-west of the US. Rebekah and her husband survived multiple rounds of IUI and IVF treatment. But what would you do when your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual self can no longer bare the turmoil and stress of IVF and fertility treatments?*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Coach Sarah from the " Get Pregnant Naturally Podcast" joins me to give us a detailed account of her own infertility struggles and offer her expertise with functional approaches to fertility. Sarah's company Fab Fertile " takes a targeted approach to your fertility by providing access to functional lab testing which may include food sensitivity testing, hormone testing using urine and stool testing."At FabFertile, We look at the WHOLE body and while you may come to us with low ovarian reserve, high FSH, low AMH, premature ovarian failure, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, PCOS or fibroids we do not treat the diagnosis. Using the tools of functional health coaching we develop a personalized protocol that focuses on your preconception health.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aaliyah shares her journey of finding peace with her medical diagnosis of PCOS and becoming a mother. Born and raised in Washington state, she now resides in Virginia. Aaliyah is 24 years old. She is a mommy of one and has been married for five years. After her rude awakening with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), she decided enough was enough and started her journey to educate and advocate for women’s health, Mental health and Motherhood.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this BONUS episode, your host Monique brings awareness to the preservation of fertility in cancer patients. Cancer is devastating and for those who want to have children after radiation or chemotherapy it is their right to be able to do so with the help of their specialists. Join me as we briefly discuss the ways in which cancer warriors can preserve their fertility and one day become parents.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Coach Sam from Wiltshire, UK joins us and offers deeply spiritual approaches and insight to help during infertility/fertility journey's. We discuss the importance of healing from past traumas and how to evolve spiritually so that emotional blockages do not interfere with conception. Sam has been a healer for almost twenty years and has been on her own journey of healing and deep transformation since her early thirties. Sam has worked successfully with women who have already attempted IVF and those who have suffered with PCOS and endometriosis, plus women who have no idea why they haven't been able to conceive. Sam says her purpose is to bring the gift of Fertility Healing into the world and it seems she has a natural gift for this.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We are joined by Zaakirah Muhammad, who at 15 was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - secondary cancer, of the childhood eye cancer, retinoblastoma. She has overcome so much in her life, but she continues to persevere and be a voice of inspiration to others. At 6 months old, a Camera Saved Her Life. At 9 months old, she was taken into surgery to have her right eye removed due to a rare childhood eye cancer tumor that was detected by a photo her mom took. Her hearing slowly began to decline as she got older, but her other three senses kicked in and are functioning well.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kendall’s passion to advocate for others during their fertility journey stems from her own experiences as someone who has struggled with fertility challenges since early adolescence. She specializes in supporting individuals who experience challenges with fertility. Using a compassionate approach, she provides comfort and openness for people to share various thoughts and emotions that occur during their own reproductive journey.Both personally and professionally, Kendall has gained understanding on the need for emotionally safe spaces for people to connect and seek comfort when trying to understand and process all that can occur when faced with limitations around the ability to conceive.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monique and Michael explore the various complexities of infertility and how it affects relationships. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, his new novel, What Is Missing, is—among other things—a love triangle, a father-son story, and an exploration of the subject of infertility. It may possibly be the first literary novel to take on the “uncharted ground” (The Wall Street Journal ) on which families can be built, or rebuilt, by IVF. The New Yorker has described the book as “a penetrating examination of how a life can be defined by contingency and surprise”, and novelist Julie Orringer has said that the book “asks the most urgent questions about biology and nurture, about filial and parental love, and about what we’re willing to suffer to find out who we are. This is a wise and necessary book, one I’ve been recommending ardently to everyone I know.”*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nelly takes us on her unexpected path through twin pregnancy loss and stillbirth. Grief wears many disguises and eventually forces us to look it straight in the eyes when all we'd rather do is run as fast as we can away from it. Join me as we Connect & Heal Together with Nelly through the emotional, physical, and mental effects of stillbirth.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this BONUS episode, I share bits of information concerning genetic conditions that affect fertility and make one predisposed to infertility. I briefly explain endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, and POI. How cystic fibrosis causes low or absent sperm in semen and irregular or absent (annovulation) in women. Fifty-percent of infertility cases in the US are caused by genetic issues. You are not alone and it is not your fault. Join me as we connect and heal through science and knowledge.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Infertility warrior, wife, twin mom, and blogger named Erin gives us a detailed account of her unexplained infertility journey. Erin and her husband conceived their fraternal twins on the first-try through IUI. After 5 years she decided it was time to try again for a third baby, but her path to family growth would not be without heartache. Join me as we connect and heal with Erin; getting real about the arduous journey of infertile family expansion. @mybeautifulblunderFollow Monique on IG @infertilityandmepodcastIf this podcast resonated with you, follow, leave a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dadriaunna, angel momma, wife, and faith based fertility advocate walks us through losing her baby boy at 24 weeks gestation and how her tragedy led to passion and purpose. Dadriaunna's unwavering Faith in God pushed her to seek mental health treatment post the stillbirth of her son. It was then she was able to climb out of darkness and through the trenches of grief, trading her ashes for God's beauty.We delve deeply into the idea that black and brown women should have to suffer in silence and bare the weight of pain alone. Dadriaunna encourages anyone, despite race or religion, to find community specific to your needs and consider the concept of what being fertile really means. Join me as we get real about the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual effects of infant loss.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of I.A.M, I discuss in detail my experience with an infertility clinic that I ultimately never returned to. As fertility and infertility warriors it is imperative that we feel connected and build strong rapport with our RE's and nursing staff. After all, we spend a vast amount of time and large sums of money on our journey's to parenthood. As a patient going through IUI, IVF, fertility drugs, egg donor, sperm donor etc. we should understand every step of the process thoroughly and feel comfortable asking questions. Being an advocate for yourself or spouse will ensure less stressful cycles and ease anxieties. Join me as we get real about changing RE's at any stage of the process, even if it means waiting longer to start treatment.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*warning* this episode contains talk of life after pregnancy. In episode 6, Sandra takes us on her unexplained infertility journey of six years. Sandra is a maternity nurse, military wife, and mom. While studying for her masters degree, Sandra embarked on the path to motherhood using multiple fertility drugs prescribed by her doctor, to which conception never took pace. After four years, Sandra and her husband decided it was best to move on.Surprisingly, Sandra became pregnant naturally after two years without the help of a RE (reproductive endocrinologist). Join me as we get real about resolving the pain of infertility, PTSD, and postpartum depression.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously! @infertilityandmepodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amy walks us through her diagnosis of endometriosis as a teen and her infertility journey to date. Amy began trying to conceive six months prior to her wedding in September of 2015. Two years go by with no success of conceiving, Amy decides to have laparoscopic surgery to remove stage four endometriosis.After her surgery, Amy's doctor put her in medically induced menopause for four months. This would allow her body to heal properly without menses. Once the four months were completed, Amy and her husband became pregnant naturally. At 20 weeks(5 months), it was revealed during the anatomy scan that Amy's baby boy had more than one heart condition and other abnormalities. Amy and hubby's baby was born stillborn at 21 weeks gestation. Amy and her husband tried to conceive naturally again for 8 months without success. They then started their IVF journey which lead them to multiple rounds of IVF.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After over a year of ttc (trying to conceive) naturally with clomid, Amanda and her husband received the diagnosis of being infertile in February of 2019. Amanda's Dr. gave them a 1 percent chance of conceiving without tubal removal and IVF; devastating to say the least. With the loving and nurturing support of her husband, she has been able to move forward in their journey to parenthood. Join me as we connect and heal together with Amanda's I.A.M (Infertility And Me) story.Please consider leaving a rating & review, just one sentence helps tremendously!Follow @infertilityandmepodcast on InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode I discuss my own account of what it felt like to finally get the diagnosis of infertility and hypothyroid disease. I also give simple and effective tips on how to deal with and process your diagnosis, whatever it may be.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode I tell my 1 in 8 journey through infertility diagnosis to IVF success. The emotionally shocking diagnosis of right Fallopian tube blockage, failed IUI, to hypothyroid disease, uterine polyps, and the early birth of my son who was a micro preemie.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nothing can quite prepare you emotionally for infertility.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Launching Friday November 22, 2019 Are you fed up with walking on egg shells when talking about infertility? New to the world of infertility and have been recently diagnosed by a reproductive endocrinologist? Have you been on the road to parenthood for quite some time or suffering from unexplained infertility? Infertility And Me is a weekly podcast offering raw and candid discussions about all things infertility and IVF. Infertility sucks and is not sunshine and Lilly’s for those of us battling it. Your host Monique, interviews other infertility warriors who have overcome infertility or are in the midst of their journey. This podcast will give you the encouragement and hope your soul desires. Join me as we get real about the emotional, physical, and mental effects infertility has on its victims.*Follow on Instagram Enjoying the show? Please leave a rating & review—just one sentence helps tremendously!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/infertility-and-me/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy